The UN Conference of States Parties against Corruption recently convened its tenth session to address the issue of match-fixing. Government representatives voiced concerns about the increasing prevalence of illegal sports betting, with a focus on its impact on the sports industry. According to experts citing the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, illegal bookmakers generate up to $1.7 trillion annually in the black market betting sector.
A significant proportion of these illegal bookmakers are operated by criminal organizations. James Porteous, Head of Research at the Asian Horseracing Federation Council on Combating Illegal Betting and Related Financial Crime, emphasized that the surge in illegal betting serves as a major catalyst for corruption in sports. This illicit activity leads to match-fixing and money laundering through such bets.
Humaid al-Amimi, Coordinator of Interpol's anti-corruption unit, highlighted that match manipulation is closely linked to "highly organized crime." He advocated for enhanced data sharing among states and agencies to effectively combat fraudulent activities.
