Premier League Soccer Player Suspected of Illegal Betting and Tax Offenses

Israel Police arrested a player from a top division football club on Sunday morning in connection with a wider investigation into a criminal gang from Migdal HaEmek. The arrest was carried out by officers from the Sports Betting Unit of Lahav 433, as part of a case led by the Northern District anti-fraud and bribery unit, ACh"L North Lahav 433.

Police said the player is suspected of large-scale illegal gambling, match-fixing, violations of the Anti-Money Laundering Law, and tax offenses committed together with others. The probe is being handled by Lahav 433's bribery and sports betting division, in full cooperation with the Israel Football Association.

According to the suspicion, the player had been betting systematically and illegally, conduct police say is incompatible with being an active player at a senior club. The arrest follows additional arrests made last week in the same investigation. More suspects and involved parties are expected to be questioned.

Police stressed that the player has not been convicted of any offense and is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.