Belarusian authorities arrest 19 over alleged fictitious sports betting operation
Belarusian authorities arrested 19 people accused of organising staged sports competitions in Minsk for betting through 1xBet, according to state broadcaster ONT. The alleged operation had run since 2021, with tennis and basketball matches staged in rented sports halls; those arrested face possible prison terms of up to 12 years.
The arrests concern alleged illegal betting activity linked to sports events and a named bookmaker.