ICC, Interpol unite to curb corruption

DUBAI: To extend and strengthen its vigil against corruptors in cricket, the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has joined hands with Interpol, the organisation that facilitates worldwide police cooperation, says an ICC release.

The two agencies will feed off each other and exchange information on organised crime networks globally in an attempt to weed out corruption, which has infiltrated sports around the world, including cricket, in a big way.

The decision came on the back of ACU’s general manager Alex Marshall meeting top Interpol officers at its headquarters in Lyon, France, last week.

“The International Cricket Council has an excellent relationship with law enforcement agencies in a number of countries but working with Interpol means we are connecting with their 194 members,” Marshall said in a statement issued by the ICC.

“Our focus is on education of players and prevention and disruption of corruptors. Where our enquiries reveal criminal offences have been committed, we will refer this to the relevant law enforcement organisations and this makes Interpol an important partner for us.”

As things stand, the national police force in each country has a direct line to Interpol. The ICC’s ACU will reach out to the local police in member countries as and when it has any information, which will then be relayed to Interpol in a bid to get to the active criminal corruptors.

Interpol has a dedicated wing that looks after corruption in sport already, but is keen to collaborate with global sporting watchdogs like the ACU to share intelligence.

“Sport brings people together, but criminals looking to make large profits can undermine its integrity,” Jose de Gracia, assistant director of Interpol’s criminal networks unit said.

“Our meetings and cooperation with partners such as the ICC help us shape a collaborative, holistic response.”