Israel: more than a dozen arrested over suspected match-fixing, gambling

More than a dozen members of a soccer team in Israel were arrested recently over suspected match-fixing, illegal gambling and money laundering. A police operation conducted on Monday morning saw dozens of police officers raid homes where the suspects lived.

As announced in a report from the Jerusalem Post, a total of 17 members of a soccer team are suspected of engaging in unlawful actions. Such alleged crimes include bribery, illegal gambling, match-fixing and money laundering. Reportedly, the large-scale police operation follows an investigation that was ongoing for months. The investigation of law enforcement suggests that the unlawful actions date back three years. Police suspect that the team was extorted by a criminal organization that engaged in match-fixing and gambling. Exploiting and manipulating the team, the criminal group was able to place wagers and collect winnings. The betting was conducted not only in Israel but in other countries too, police suspect. A statement released by the Israel Police, quoted by the media outlet, reads: The criminal organization used the team as a platform to commit criminal offenses, including suspicion of skewing results, buying and selling games for the purpose of profiting from illegal gambling, and suspicions of double contracts. According to law enforcement: After it was possible to know the outcome of the bet, the bets were made with the outcome already known. The suspects include active football players, as well as senior-level club officials. While police did not confirm the name of the team, local media outlets suggested it was F.C. Kiryat Yam. It is unclear what leverage the criminal group had over the team and whether or not members of the criminal syndicate have been arrested.