A former and an active football player have been fined a total of €30,000 after being found guilty of involvement in illegal betting on football matches.
Rio Micallef, aged 41 from Marsa, and Lydon Micallef, aged 32 from Naxxar, were charged by Inspectors George Frendo and Wayne Borg for offering unlicensed betting services. Lydon Micallef is an active player currently playing for Challenge League side Marsa.
The Police began their investigation after receiving information linking Rudger Scerri to illegal betting and corruption in sports. Scerri, a former member of the Ħ’Attard football club committee, was sentenced to six months in prison after being found guilty of involvement in sports corruption.
Upon examining Scerri’s mobile phone, the Police discovered chats with the two accused regarding illegal betting. These were handed over to the Gaming Authority, which confirmed that the three individuals were offering bets on various events, including football, similar to those provided by licensed companies.
Scerri testified that both Rio and Lydon Micallef were addicted to gambling and would send him details of games to bet on. He also stated that they were involved in organizing illegal betting by accepting bets from other punters.
He added that Rio Micallef’s involvement was smaller compared to his own and Lydon’s, as he mostly placed bets for himself.
Based on the evidence presented by the prosecution, Magistrate Victor Axiak found the two accused guilty and ordered Rio Micallef to pay a €10,000 fine to the Gaming Authority, while Lydon Micallef was fined €20,000.
The Court also noted that in relation to this case, the Police had charged three other individuals. Chris Barbara and Dejan Grech were handed final sentences that were not appealed, while the case against Matthew Bajada is still pending.
