In Australia, six players of the online shooter Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) were arrested for their connection to game manipulation in an eSports league.
What happened? During an unspecified eSports tournament of CS:GO, there were apparently manipulations. Bets were placed on the matches and the police of the state of Victoria intervened. Six men aged between 19 and 22 were arrested.
Game Manipulation in CS:GO
What are the allegations against the individuals? After the police received a tip from a betting agency in March, investigations were conducted, which led to the six men. They are accused of manipulating five matches of an eSports tournament.
The outcomes of the games were apparently manipulated so that these individuals could not lose their bets.
What happens now to the men? After being arrested and interrogated, the police had to release the six individuals for the time being.
Further investigations are now underway. Detectives from the Organised Crime Intelligence Unit have been involved to assist the officers. Additionally, there is close collaboration with Sportsbet to clarify the situation.
If convicted, they face a prison sentence of up to ten years.
A Serious Matter
What is special about the situation? The police state that this is the first case of betting fraud at an eSports tournament in Australia that they need to investigate.
The situation also shows that the police in Australia take the matter very seriously. They are even looking for individuals who can provide information about the situation.
Neil Paterson, Deputy Commissioner of the Victoria Police, stated that eSport is gaining more significance and that gambling is playing an increasingly larger role. Therefore, the police must work even more closely with the gaming industry in the future.
Has something like this happened before? No. CS:GO has already had several scandals. For example, there were manipulations in 2014 at the CEVO Professional League. Similar stories are heard repeatedly.
Valve has faced issues due to gambling in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive previously, but distances itself from this. The bets and gambling activities are organized by third parties and here the stakes can be quite high regarding skins. Therefore, manipulations are not surprising.
