Soccer Match-fixing

Mr Alex Yam asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs with regard to the recent arrest of 14 suspects for football match-fixing, (a) when did the authorities become aware of the activities; (b) whether Singapore has become a hub for global match-fixing syndicates; and (c) what measures will the Ministry undertake to ensure that Singapore stays free of such crime.

Our agencies maintain strict vigilance over suspected football match-fixing activities and have taken action against the perpetrators where evidence is uncovered. In the last 10 years, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) investigated 10 cases of alleged football-related corruption in Singapore under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA). Six cases resulted in court convictions. Stern warnings were administered in three other cases, and no further action was taken against one case. The Police also take firm action against illegal football betting. Over the last three years, the Police arrested an average of 56 persons each year for the offence.

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There are stiff penalties for match-fixing corruption. Under sections 5 and 6 of the PCA, persons convicted of corruption face fines not exceeding $100,000, or imprisonment for up to five years, or both. In addition, under section 13 of the PCA, the Court may impose a further financial penalty against persons who accept gratification, equivalent to the amount received. Any ill-gotten gains can also be confiscated under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act.

In relation to the recent arrests, our law enforcement agencies have been monitoring for some time, a number of Singaporeans for alleged syndicated match-fixing activities. This was well before the media reports in 2011 which pointed to specific individuals being involved in such syndicates. However, the progress of investigations was hampered by the fact that the activities were conducted outside Singapore, and the information obtained on these syndicates and their members remained sketchy.

In February 2013, Europol, the European Union's law enforcement agency, announced at a media conference that it had uncovered an extensive match-fixing syndicate and named Singapore as the base for some of the syndicate's operations. The Police and CPIB immediately established a Joint Investigation Team to work with INTERPOL's Match-Fixing Task Force to vigorously pursue any new leads. As a result, they were able to obtain information from INTERPOL, Europol, and European countries affected by the syndicate's match-fixing activities.

The Police and CPIB investigations culminated in the arrest, between 16 and 17 September 2013, of 14 suspects for their involvement in global football match-fixing. Of these, nine have been released on Police bail pending further investigations. Of the remaining five persons, the Minister for Home Affairs has issued Detention Orders to four, and a Police Supervision Order to one. The Orders were made under the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act (CLTPA) and took effect on 2 October 2013.

Match-fixing is a cross-boundary crime that requires close cooperation between countries and enforcement agencies to effectively detect and eradicate it. Many criminal syndicates have structures that are complex and layered. Their networks are extensive and they operate across national boundaries. They are also quick to adapt their operations to evade detection. Our agencies will continue to work closely with INTERPOL and their foreign counterparts to offer assistance and share information to crack down on such crimes and arrest those

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responsible.

Locally, Police and CPIB work closely with the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) to ensure that the football scene in Singapore remains clean. Regular talks are conducted to educate players on corruption and its consequences. In addition, the agencies assist the FAS in administering random polygraph testing on both Lions XII and S-League players. Any indications of suspicious match-fixing activities are reported and dealt with.

Our law enforcement agencies will continue to take firm action against match-fixing activities and bring the full weight of our laws to bear upon the perpetrators to ensure that Singapore stays free of such crime.