Active top-division footballer detained in major illegal betting probe

An active footballer from a top-tier league was arrested Sunday morning on suspicion of involvement in large-scale illegal betting, match-fixing, money laundering and tax offences. Police said the suspect was taken in by the Sports Betting Unit of Lahav 433’s National Economic Crime Unit as part of an ongoing investigation into a gang from Migdal HaEmek.

According to the suspicions, the player took part systematically in prohibited betting activity while playing for a top club. Investigators say the suspected offences were carried out together with additional suspects and other people involved in the case.

The arrest follows a series of detentions carried out last week in the same investigation, which is being run by Lahav 433’s sports bribery and betting unit in cooperation with the Israel Football Association. Police said the probe is still active and that more involved parties and suspects are expected to be questioned.

Authorities did not identify the player by name, and no further details about the club or the alleged betting network were released.