Inquiry launched into Ballon d'Or: Police investigate suspicious bets on Polymarket
Twelve accounts predicted the exact top-five ranking and won nearly 200,000 euros. France's police are investigating on suspicion of insider trading.
French police investigate insider suspicion surrounding Ballon d'Or award
Twelve accounts on the crypto-based prediction platform Polymarket correctly predicted the exact order of the five highest-ranked players at this year's Ballon d'Or ceremony – netting nearly 200,000 euros in profit. As gmx.at reports citing a New York Times article via The Athletic, French authorities have now officially launched an investigation on suspicion of insider trading.
According to the report, the affected accounts predicted that Harry Kane won the Ballon d'Or, followed by Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Lionel Messi. A total of around 250,000 euros flowed into these bets. Investigators point not only to the conspicuously high success rate, but also to the betting behaviour when managing their positions as an indication of possible insider knowledge.
Particularly striking: the event organiser "France Football" is said to have been informed of the suspicious betting movements before the official announcement of results. Following the ceremony, "France Football" initiated its own investigation and engaged the SCCJ – the department of French police responsible for gambling offences.
"The integrity of the Ballon d'Or has absolute priority for 'France Football'," a spokesperson for the organiser said. They take allegations of leaked results and potentially criminal betting activities very seriously and are preparing to file a report with the relevant authorities. Further details cannot be provided at present due to the ongoing investigation.
The case draws attention to the controversial role of prediction platforms such as Polymarket in sports. These markets are facing increasing criticism owing to a lack of regulatory oversight – in the United States, several states have already taken legal action against their involvement in sports betting.
Source: Google News AT — Crime (de)