The police have dismantled a criminal organized group that was orchestrating fixed matches across various esports disciplines and profiting from bets placed at bookmakers. Among those detained is a well-known former Ukrainian football player. Online reports suggest that this refers to Artem Milevsky, although the suspect's name has not been officially disclosed.
According to the National Police, the suspects were arranging fixed esports matches in football, basketball, and table tennis. By knowing the winner in advance, they placed bets in bookmakers, thereby gaining illegal profits.
To attract a larger online audience and increase the amounts of bets and winnings, the scheme's organizers enlisted the support of prominent athletes, the police stated.
"Some members of the group are former world-class athletes who used their connections acquired over years of professional activity to organize 'fixed' matches between esports players from Australia, Europe, and Ukraine," the report mentions.
As per police information, the criminals coerced, intimidated, and incited esports players to lose their online matches, ensuring the desired outcomes for the organizers.
Law enforcement estimates that the criminals' earnings could reach millions of hryvnias. These funds were then laundered through the purchase and resale of luxury cars, real estate, and other assets.
As part of this investigation, 45 simultaneous searches were conducted across Ukraine. Evidence of criminal activity has been seized. The exact number of detainees has not been specified.
The investigation is being conducted under part 5 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (Fraud), part 3 of Article 203-2 (Illegal activity in organizing or conducting gambling, lotteries), part 1 and 3 of Article 369-3 (Illegal influence on the results of official sports competitions), part 4 of Article 189 (Extortion), and part 3 of Article 209 (Legalization (laundering) of property obtained by criminal means). Those found guilty may face up to 12 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.
Currently, a suspicion has been announced against one of the organizers of the "fixed" games, but the investigation continues, so, as stated by the police, additional legal qualifications may be possible.
At the same time, Ukrainian media reports that among those detained was the legendary Ukrainian footballer Artem Milevsky, who ended his sports career in 2021.
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