Integrisport Next

Background The EU recognises sport manipulation as a high priority threat. It transcends the sport domain and offenders exploit it as a vector to conduct traditional crimes, from bribery to blackmail and fraud. As the scope of such offences lies outside the sporting jurisdiction, Law Enforcement Agencies and Judicial Authorities’ support is crucial to effectively addressing the issue. To achieve this, a common understanding of the legal and operational challenges by all relevant stakeholders is primordial. Objectives Integrisport Next aimed to provide educational and operational support to Law Enforcement Agencies and Judicial Authorities on handling sport manipulation cases, thus recognising criminal aspects that transcend the sport domain. The project aimed to develop best practice standards in identifying, investigating and prosecuting related criminal activities, providing customised tools and recommendations, while promoting national and international multi-stakeholder cooperation. Implementation The project conducted a multistakeholder, operational and varied training for Law Enforcement and Judicial Authorities in Sweden, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Malta and Cyprus, based on a comprehensive targeted research phase. Experts and other national and international counterparts contributed to the capacity building sessions, providing tools to support investigations and prosecutions. The activities were regularly evaluated and were constructed with each Partner country’s situation in mind. Achievements Partner Countries reported an enhanced understanding of criminal aspects of sport manipulation and of the importance of multistakeholder approach to investigations and prosecutions. Project materials have been integrated in various police education programs and specific policies are being implemented. This includes remodelled police units, proposals for legislative change and the registering of new cases. Customized action plans and follow-up cooperation has ensured long-term development.