US prosecutors charge NBA veterans Malik Beasley and Ed Davis in betting plot
US prosecutors have charged NBA veterans Malik Beasley and Ed Davis in connection with an alleged illegal sports betting and game-manipulation scheme.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York announced the federal indictments on Monday morning.
Authorities accuse a gambling syndicate of bribing the 27-year-old guard to artificially manipulate his on-court performances.
This insider information was subsequently utilised to generate illicit profits in the sports wagering market.
Co-conspirators and agent implicated
Four other individuals have been indicted alongside the two high-profile basketball figures.
Federal officials named William Brown, Robert Gorodetsky and Ernesto Plascencia as alleged co-conspirators in the criminal operation.
Current professional basketball player agent Paolo Zamorano is also facing charges for his purported involvement.
The alleged scheme involved bribing Beasley to manipulate his performance in games and using that insider information to profit via illegal betting activity.U.S. Attorney’s Office
Betting scandals shake American sports
Professional basketball has faced increasing scrutiny over gambling issues since the widespread legalisation of sports wagering across North America.
This latest indictment follows a string of recent controversies involving athletes compromising sporting integrity.
Further details regarding the specific matches targeted by the network are expected to emerge as the legal process unfolds.