Six people have been arrested in Australia in connection with rigging a Counter-Strike: Global Offensive tournament.

That’s according to Victoria Police, who said the investigation began in MArch 2019. This is the first major case of its kind in Australia.

It’s believed that players were throwing matches and placing bets knowing the results. Over 20 bets were placed across at least five affected matches.

The six arrests occurred after several warrants were served. Three were arrested in Mill Park, one in South Morang and a further two in Mount Eliza. They have since been released pending further investigation.

If convicted, however, these offences can carry a sentence of 10 years.

A warrant was executed by Western Australia Police in Perth, though no one was arrested.

“Esports is really an emerging sporting industry and with that will come the demand for betting availability on the outcomes of tournaments and matches,” said Victoria Police assistant commissioner Neil Paterson

“It’s important that police and other agencies within the law enforcement, gaming and betting industries continue to work together to target any suspicious activity.

“These warrants also highlight that police will take any reports of suspicious or criminal activity within esports seriously, and we encourage anyone with information to come forward.”