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In a collaborative effort, the Spanish National Police and international agencies like Europol, and the Spanish Tax Agency have detained 23 individuals. This bust is linked to a major crime syndicate believed to have manipulated sports events for betting gains. One of the group’s top members, who was on Interpol’s Red Notice list for match-fixing, was among the captured.
The operation’s roots trace back to 2020 when odd betting patterns on international table tennis events caught the eye of Spanish authorities. This prompted an investigation revealing a web of criminality, mainly from Romanian and Bulgarian origins.
Interpol’s findings suggest that the criminals rigged matches outside Spain by bribing athletes. Once these matches’ outcomes were set, the gang’s Spain-based members placed bets on a staggering scale.
Interestingly, the syndicate had a trick up their sleeve. They tapped into live video broadcasts from global sports venues, keeping them a step ahead of bookmakers who relied on slower satellite data. Football matches, like the 2022 Fifa World Cup and the Uefa Nations League, alongside ATP and ITF tennis events, were among those affected.
To keep their operations under wraps, they utilized multiple identities and accounts. An intriguing twist is the involvement of a major bookmaker’s trader, who allegedly assisted the group in verifying their online wagers.
Interpol’s secretary-general, Jürgen Stock, highlighted the syndicate’s resourcefulness, noting their 20 to 30-second advantage translated into massive profits. He commended the joint operation led by Spain, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in closing such loopholes.
During this operation, Interpol issued several notices concerning the syndicate’s activities and leaders. The crackdown resulted in the blocking of 47 bank accounts and 28 payment channels spanning multiple nations. Additionally, the authorities confiscated various equipment, cash, fake bills, and multiple cards.
Stock conveyed, “Organised crime groups will exploit the tiniest of gaps given the opportunity.” He continued, “Successful operations such as the one led by Spain only reaffirm our engagement in ensuring our entire suite of Notices, databases and expert networks fully support police in closing these gaps.”
As investigations continue, more arrests, including potentially bribed athletes, are anticipated.