The Europol-led investigation into football match-fixing uncovered a network involving 425 suspects across 13 European countries, linked to over 380 manipulated games yielding €8 million in illicit betting profits. The investigation, Operation VETO, spanned from 2011 to 2013, resulting in several prosecutions, especially in Germany. The international nature of the crime presents major challenges for law enforcement as the match-fixing implicated numerous countries and criminal syndicates.
A large-scale investigation led by Europol, in coordination with police from 13 European countries, revealed a vast criminal network engaged in football match-fixing. The inquiry identified 425 suspects, including match officials, players, and serious criminals from over 15 countries, connected to attempts to manipulate more than 380 professional matches. This organized crime operation generated over €8 million in betting profits and involved bribery payments exceeding €2 million.
The Joint Investigation Team (JIT), known as Operation VETO, was active from July 2011 to January 2013. It was spearheaded by Europol with contributions from Germany, Finland, Hungary, Austria, and Slovenia, alongside support from Eurojust and Interpol. The operation coordinated numerous police inquiries throughout Europe and utilized intelligence gathered from 13,000 emails and other sources to establish connections between matches and suspects within the organized crime network.
As a result of this investigation, several arrests and prosecutions occurred, particularly in Germany, where 14 individuals were sentenced to a combined 39 years in prison. Rob Wainwright, Director of Europol, emphasized the detrimental impact of this corruption on European football and highlighted the importance of international collaboration against organized crime infiltrating the sport. He intends to brief UEFA President Michel Platini on these findings.
The investigation uncovered suspicious activities related to World Cup and European Championship qualifiers, UEFA Champions League matches, and various national league games. Furthermore, around 300 additional suspicious matches were flagged outside Europe, mainly in Africa, Asia, and South America. Evidence is strong for 150 of these matches, with Singapore cited as the operations hub for bribery payments reaching as high as €100,000 per match, including allegations involving two World Championship Qualification matches in Africa.
Gianni Baldi, Head of Interpol’s Drugs and Organized Crime Unit, noted that match-fixing is a global issue requiring extensive partnerships to dismantle criminal networks profiting from such illegal activities. The key perpetrators were primarily based in Asia, collaborating with European operatives and linked to Russian-speaking crime syndicates. The international scope of match-fixing poses significant challenges due to its cross-border nature.
Michèle Coninsx, President of Eurojust, stated that international cooperation was critical in successfully navigating this complex, transnational case. Coordination meetings at Eurojust and video conferences with Asian counterparts fostered new investigations and addressed complicated judicial concerns. Eurojust also provided financial support for the JIT Veto, one of the largest initiatives of its kind.
Investigations connected to JIT Veto are still ongoing, with Europol asking for patience from the media regarding the details of specific fixed matches. While there has been considerable speculation, Europol maintains that any disclosures about individual matches lie solely with the prosecution services of the respective countries involved. Further comments on the investigation or its participants are not currently available from Europol.
Original Source: www.europol.europa.eu
