Spectators show their support during the Big Bash League
final between the Perth Scorchers and the Brisbane Heat in
Perth last month. The Big Bash league has been identified
as a likely target for match-fixing. Photo Getty Images
Australia's sporting stars could be groomed by
international match-fixing syndicates looking to infiltrate
into local competitions, police fear.
Fairfax Media says organised crime experts have identified
A-League football and Big Bash cricket as likely targets of
Asian crime cartels.
Victorian Deputy Commissioner Graham Ashton told Fairfax that
match fixing was imminent in Australia.
"This thing is coming down the highway and we have to be
prepared," he said.
He warned sportsmen against associating with underworld
figures who could try to blackmail them.
"It can begin with one small incident - cocaine at a party or
a prostitute - and then they are on the hook," Mr Ashton
said.
"It follows an established pattern: attract, compromise and
then infiltrate."
Fairfax said there had been a massive increase in Asian
betting on Australian sporting events, with up to $40 million
held offshore on one A-League game.
The AFL is briefing all players on the dangers of associating
with criminals and the risks of being groomed by illegal
betting cartels.
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