You're reading: Police expose nationwide soccer match-fixing network

Ukrainian police have broken up a nationwide network of five crime groups that was engaged in fixing soccer games, the country’s interior minister, Arsen Avakov, reported on his Facebook page on May 22.

Up to 35 Ukrainian football clubs from 10 oblasts were involved in the corrupt scheme, in particular the clubs’ presidents, former and current players, referees, coaches, and companies, the official added.

According to the National Police, Ukraine’s football industry currently includes 52 clubs divided into four leagues.

“This is the first time in Ukraine that not only the football players but also those who arranged the fixing of games have been brought to justice,” Avakov said.

The nationwide operation by the National Police continued for over two years.

“In order to get a ‘correct’ game result, all sorts of methods were used, ranging from bribing players, referees, and club owners, to intimidation and threats,” the minister reported.

The pay for the required result – a victory or a defeat – was between Hr 30,000 ($1,100) and Hr 100,000 ($3,800).

“Knowing a game’s result in advance, the crime groups members entered stakes in betting offices registered in Asian countries and raked in immense profits. Due to anonymity, a lack of transparency, and the lack of control of betting shops in those countries, this football business produced profits of up to $5 million annually.”

The criminal investigation includes 57 individual cases, the minister said.

Up to 320 persons now face between three and seven years in prison for bribing and rigging a sports event result, according to the National Police.