Four men arrested over suspicious Brownlow betting
A person with inside knowledge of the AFL’s Brownlow Medal tallies is accused of leaking the information to a betting ring.
The AFL's highest honour for players, the Brownlow Medal. (Image: AFL Photos)
Victoria Police detectives from its Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit arrested and interviewed four men on Monday over suspicious betting activity connected to this season’s medal count.
Police are investigating how many matches may have had votes released and exactly how much money was awarded from the bets.
At this stage, police have no information to suggest that the outcome of the votes were impacted as the allegations relate solely to the distribution of information.
The investigation is being conducted in conjunction with the AFL and Sport Integrity Australia.
Detectives executed warrants on Monday at homes in Glenroy, Kilsyth, Oak Park, Drouin, Craigieburn and Doreen, seizing several mobile phones and electronic items.
Four men were arrested and have since been released.
A 32-year-old Glenroy man was interviewed over the offence of engaging in conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome. He is expected to be charged on summons.
A second 32-year-old man from Glenroy was interviewed on the offence of using corrupt conduct information for betting purposes. He is expected to be charged on summons.
A 27-year-old Drouin man was interviewed for the offence of using corrupt conduct information for betting purposes and is expected to be charged on summons.
The final man, a 29-year-old from Oak Park was interviewed on the offence of using corrupt conduct information for betting purposes and was released pending further inquiries.
The offences carry up to 10 years imprisonment.
“Victorians are well known for their love of AFL and in particular, the prestigious Brownlow Medal award, but equally they want to know that there is integrity, fairness and honesty behind this award,” Commander Deb Robertson said in a statement.
Sport Integrity Australia confirmed it was supporting Victoria Police and the AFL in the inquiry, but was not commenting further.
The AFL has been contacted for comment.
Carlton captain Patrick Cripps won this year’s medal, polling 29 votes, beating 2020 winner Lachie Neale (28 votes), Gold Coast star Touk Miller (27 votes) and Fremantle midfielder Andrew Brayshaw (25 votes).
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the website www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
