CBI sets up special unit to probe sports-related crimes

Considering the gravity of corruption in sports, the CBI has set up a special investigating unit to handle cases related to the field, the agency's chief announced Tuesday.

On the occasion of the D.P. Kohli Memorial lecture, Central Bureau of Investigation director Ranjit Sinha announced a special unit to probe corrupt practices especially in sports.

"The CBI will investigate cases of fraud, fixing and illegal betting in sports," he said.

The unit will act as the repository of intelligence and data related to corruption in sports.

Stating that the special unit will comprise officers of the CBI crime branch, Sinha said it will coordinate with other law enforcement agencies of the world and "act as a nodal agency to coordinate with state police forces".

He said the stated objectives of the sports integrity unit includes investigating and inquiring into matters related to sport frauds, combating malpractices in sports and coordination with sports federations and law enforcement agencies.

Seeking cooperation from all stakeholders in making the initiative a success, Sinha said the CBI would be actively engaging with ministry of youth affairs and sports so that a law dealing with corruption in sports is put in place at the earliest.

"With the setting up of the sports integrity unit, India would join the very few nations in the world to have a dedicated set-up as part of its federal investigative agency to investigate sports frauds," he added.