AFL umpire arrested in Victoria police investigation into betting on Brownlow medal

An AFL umpire is among four people to have been arrested by Victorian police as they investigate allegations that someone with inside knowledge of the Brownlow medal tallies leaked information to a betting ring.

On Monday detectives from Victoria police’s Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit arrested four men over allegedly 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 allegedly awarded from the bets.

At this stage, police have no information to suggest that the outcome of the vote was affected, as the allegations relate solely to the sharing of information.

All four men arrested have been interviewed by police and released from custody.

In a statement, the AFL confirmed police have informed the organisation that an umpire was among those arrested.

“In the days following the 2022 Brownlow Medal count, the AFL was made aware of potential suspicious activity by one of our betting agency partners and the AFL Integrity unit immediately gathered further information,” said it’s executive general manager of football and general counsel, Andrew Dillon.

“Given the nature of the alleged activity we engaged Sports Integrity Australia and Victoria police to assist with the matter.

“I want to stress that neither Victoria Police, nor the AFL have information to suggest that the outcome of the Brownlow Medal was impacted as the allegations relate solely to the leaking or improper communication of the 3,2,1 voting outcomes of some specific matches during the season.

“Post-game, the Brownlow votes are sealed and stored in a secure off-site location and not opened until they are delivered on stage on Brownlow night. The sealed vote cards are audited throughout the season by KPMG.”

On Monday morning, detectives executed warrants four homes across Victoria, seizing several mobile phones and electronic items.

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Victoria police said they are investigating whether betting-related offences have been committed, including the crime of using corrupt conduct information for betting purposes and engaging in conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome of event or event contingency.

These offences carry up to 10 years’ imprisonment.

Commander Deb Robertson, from the police’s Intelligence & Covert Support Command, said a dedicated team of detectives were “committed to investigating any and all allegations of corruption in sport”.

“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,” Robertson said.

“The public assistance is a really key part – we know there are people out there involved in sport who see or hear things they know are not right and we need them to speak up.”