The Belgian police have arrested 13 people on suspicion of game manipulation in tennis. A criminal organization with Armenian and Belgian members is said to have bribed professional players since 2014.
This was announced by Belgian prosecutors on Tuesday. An investigation report at the end of April had already warned of a “tsunami” of betting fraud in the sub-standard sector.
Games at future and challenger level that are not broadcast on television will be affected. The prize money there is small enough to bribe players. With final results already determined in advance, winnings are said to have been significantly increased.
Police simultaneously raided several places in Belgium, Germany, the USA, France, Bulgaria, Slovakia and the Netherlands. “The fraudsters are guilty of game manipulation, fraud, money laundering and participation in activities in a criminal organization,” the statement said.
The Independent Commission of Inquiry (IRP) published a report in April in which a “serious integrity problem” in the lower classes was discussed. Only 250 to 350 of about 15,000 registered tennis professionals worldwide are able to play on the tour to cover their costs.