A martial arts referee has been arrested accused of bribery with the aim of tampering with the result of a youth national championship match, which is being held this weekend in Serres.
An investigation was conducted by the Department for the Prevention of Organized Sports Violence, which received information that the referee allegedly asked for a sum of money in order to influence the development and outcome of upcoming games for the benefit of two athletes.
Sources with knowledge of the case say it involves a 58-year-old taekwondo referee. According to a statement from the National Police, by paying 1,000 euros to each of them, in addition to the distinction, the athletes would secure their inclusion in the national team, as well as a bonus for admission to higher education.
An investigation followed, during which it was discovered – as stated in the same statement – that a postal parcel was sent to the hotel where the referee in question was staying, addressed to him, which contained, among other things, the sum of 1,000 euros.
In an operation carried out yesterday at noon by police officers of the Sub-Directorate for Combating Organized Crime of Northern Greece, the 58-year-old was arrested after receiving the parcel, while the money it contained was seized. as well as a mobile phone.
The arrested man was taken to the Prosecutor’s Office of Serres, while the investigation for the full clarification of the case continues.
