Two arrests made in Victoria after race-fixing and cocaine probe

Victoria Police arrested two people on Wednesday as part of a major race-fixing investigation before they were both released later in the day.

The arrests followed raids at 8:25am at locations in Keilor East, Mornington and Wallan in the south eastern Australian state.

The investigation has focused on the alleged use of illegal substances in racing and corrupt betting practices, as well as the use, possession and trafficking of cocaine.

Detectives from Victoria Police's Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit (SIIU) arrested a 38-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman following the raids.

The man was interviewed in regard to allegations of conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome of event or event contingency, conspiracy to defraud Racing Victoria stewards and cocaine trafficking.

The woman was interviewed in regard to the corruption and conspiracy allegations.

With the investigation remaining ongoing, the man and woman were both released on Wednesday afternoon pending further inquiries.

Intelligence and covert support command superintendent Steve White said this investigation again showed Victoria Police are leading the way when it comes to allegations of corrupt and illegal activity within sport and racing.

"Victorians are well known for their love of sport but equally they want to know that the playing field is fair and honest," he said.

"We also know that the various sporting codes, such as the racing bodies we have been assisted by as part of this investigation, feel the same as police and the broader public.

"I can assure the public that Victoria Police take matters of corruption in sport seriously. We will continue to work with our stakeholders to target, disrupt and apprehend people who commit these offences.

"Today's warrants also reinforce that police are prepared to investigate any and all allegations of corruption in sport."

Detectives from the SIIU have been assisted by all three racing codes in Victoria during this investigation – Racing Victoria, Harness Racing Victoria and Greyhound Racing Victoria.

Police are also liaising with the Office of the Racing Integrity Commissioner.

In a statement Racing Victoria said: "Racing Victoria confirms that it is aware that Victoria Police’s Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit has today arrested two people as part of an investigation into alleged illegal activity within the racing industry.

"Whilst the matter remains the subject of an ongoing investigation by Victoria Police we will not be making any further comment."

Read more international stories:

Meet Chantilly's ambitious new young trainer who starts out in September

Filly who broke loose on highway survives second terrifying ordeal of weekend

Watch: veteran jockey saves apprentice from horror mid-race fall

Over 50% off Racing Post Members' Club!Members' Club is the only subscription racing fans and punters need in order to stay informed and make smarter betting decisions. Features include early access to the Racing Post digital newspaper, exclusive news and interviews, premium tips and form study tools to assist with betting. Select 'Get Ultimate Monthly' and enter code TRYME to get your first month for just £14.99* – that's better than half price!

Subscribe now

If you decide that Members' Club is not for you, then you can cancel at anytime by contacting us.

*Members' Club Ultimate Monthly first month will be charged at £14.99, renews at full price thereafter