In what is more bad news for the sport of NRL, Bulldogs prop Ryan Tandy has been arrested, the first arrest as part of the lingering betting scandal.
With more arrests possibly to follow depending on police evidence, it has emerged that Tandy was arrested for providing police with false evidence in relation to the betting scandal.
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Racing and Casino Investigation Unit are putting the finishing touches on their investigation into the suspicious betting activity in relation to the Rd 24 clash last year between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the North Queensland Cowboys.
His role in particular has come under heavy scrutiny as he conceded the penalty that gave the Cowboys the option to go for the field goal, which just happened to be the option that people could bet on, making Tandy’s involvement even more suspicious.
Whatever the intentions of the sting were at the time, they were ultimately unsuccessful, as the Cowboys decided against the penalty goal, and thus scored a try.
Tandy strongly denied any involvement in the betting scandal or that he knew anything about it, comments which he made on the 28th August 2010.
The man in question, believed to be Tandy has been taken to Central Police Station according to a police statement.
Charges are expected to be laid, the statement said.
“Police are treating this investigation seriously,” said Arthur Katsogiannis, the Firearms and Organised Crime Squad Commander.
”It’s not a game, this is real life, and police will continue with their investigations in an endeavour to uncover the truth and ensure justice is done.
“Detectives will continue to use every available resource to uncover the truth and complete their investigation. As such, police work jointly with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that investigations are conducted thoroughly.
“In order for investigations to proceed, it is important for anyone with information to cooperate with police.
“If anyone has been involved with, or has information about criminal activity regarding betting allegations, we urge them to come forward and assist police while they still have the opportunity.”
Police said that the arrest which occurred just before noon, came after three search warrants were acted upon for houses in Punchbowl, Bronte and Strathfield, where documents and mobile phones were seized as evidence.