Six arrested over HK$90,000 bribes as Hong Kong corruption unit confirms ongoing probe into Pegasus

Six people, including five former and current soccer players, were arrested in connection with allegations relating to bribery and the fixing of results of Hong Kong soccer matches involving a local club, the ICAC confirmed on Thursday.

The five were arrested in an operation codenamed “Flower Field”, which was launched on Tuesday. They included an assistant coach cum player, three serving players and a former player. The remaining individual is a suspected bookmaker.

Hong Kong Pegasus issued a statement late on Thursday, saying the club has suspended the four active players from all duties until the ICAC investigation has been completed.

The ICAC investigation arose from a corruption complaint alleging match-fixing in matches of the Hong Kong Reserve Division League in the 2015-16 season.

Inquiries revealed that the five arrested players may have conspired to accept bribes from other persons, including the suspected bookmaker, as rewards for their participation in rigging four reserve league matches involving the soccer club.