A man who police say earned half a million dollars placing corrupt bets on international table tennis tournaments will face court in the new year.
Organised Crime Squad detectives charged a man as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged gambling syndicate placing corrupt bets on the table tennis tournaments.
“In June this year, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Organised Crime Squad, with assistance from Sport Integrity Australia, established Strike Force Brombal to investigate a transnational gambling syndicate allegedly placing corrupt bets on international table tennis tournaments,” NSW Police said in a statement.
Their inquiries revealed a 40-year-old Broadmeadow man had received information relating to fixed table tennis matches in Europe.
Police say corrupt bets were subsequently placed on the matches, resulting in winnings valued at $500,000.
“Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives, executed nine search warrants at homes at Broadmeadow, Wickham, Hamilton, Stockton, Cameron Park, Hawks Nest and Shortland from 6am today.”
“Detectives were assisted throughout the operation by officers from Newcastle City, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens Hunter Police Districts.
“During the searches, strike force detectives seized $12,000 cash, documentation and electronic devices.
“All items seized during the operation will undergo further examination.”
The man was arrested at his home at Broadmeadow and taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with use corrupt conduct information to bet on event and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime intent to conceal.
The man was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on January 28.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Brombal investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.