Integrisport Erasmus+

Background The involvement of organised criminal groups manipulating sport to achieve illicit aims has made match-fixing an EU priority. Law enforcement agencies (LEA) and judicial authorities (JA) are responsible for combating criminal activity, yet their cooperation and information exchange with other national stakeholders was still inconsistent. They needed support to better tackle the criminals involved. Starting with a better understanding of the different angles and seriousness of match fixing. Objectives Integrisport Erasmus+ developed a unique research, continuous evaluation and implementation methodology to raise the operational capacity of LEA and JA, familiarising them with the (criminal) modus operandi of sport manipulation from all relevant angles (policy making, sport, sport betting, virtual currency and investigation). The project also provided a space to enhance their co-operation at national and international levels with the sport movement and other public and private stakeholders. Implementation Integrisport Erasmus+ combined knowledge & expertise to organize customised awareness raising sessions for law enforcement officers and prosecutors in Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Portugal & Slovakia, based on comprehensive interactive research and regular evaluation. At the multi-stakeholder sessions, participants understood the importance of cooperation among private and public actors at national and international levels and developed specific operational strategies. Achievements Integrisport Erasmus+ helped investigators & prosecutors of relevant LEA and judicial units to understand the importance on fighting sport manipulation, identifying common challenges at multi-stakeholder sessions & peer exchange. The curriculum was later integrated into several LEA education programs.The project triggered sustained national and international cooperation, legislative changes on match fixing in certain beneficiary countries and the creation of dedicated police unit.