LPL Match Fixers Arrested

Two 25-year-old men have been arrested in the state of Victoria in two different counts of match fixing, as stated in a Victoria Police report. Each man could face up to 10-years in prison if found guilty of all the charges. 

On May 17, 2022 Australian Police released a statement in regard to two men who allegedly fixed matches and bet on them last year on June 8, 2021. The matches in question were not specified, but it was stated that it pertains to the Chinese LPL. 

What Are The Two Men Charged With? 

As already mentioned, there are two different charges being laid here. One being "charged on summons with the offence of use of corrupt conduct information for betting purposes." The other man is being "charged on summons with the offence of engaging in conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome of event or event contingency." 

The investigation is currently ongoing, but both men could face 10-year prison sentences if found guilty in September of 2022 when the case will go before a court. 

Detective Acting Superintendent, Wayne Woltsche, State Intelligence Division explained: 

Esports is an emerging sporting industry that only continues to get more popular, however with that also comes an increase not only in those wanting to bet on outcomes, but also in those willing to try and take advantage of the systems for their own gain.

On June 8, 2021 the date of the suspected match fixing, two matches took place in the LPL, with the first being Rare Atom vs. Oh My God. Rare Atom swept Oh My God, while the 2021 World Champions took on BiliBili Gaming, winning 2 - 1. 

Match Fixing Issues In the LPL 

This isn't the first time that the LPL is part of a match fixing scandal. Earlier this year, former LGD mid laner Chen "Jay" Bo was banned from playing indefinitely by Riot due to match fixing allegations in April 2022. 

Last year, over 30 coaches and players were also banned by Riot after match fixing evidence was found. Both LPL and LDL players and coaches were affected by this investigation.