ESIC issues three bans after CS:GO match fixing probe

ESIC launched an investigation after allegations of CS:GO match fixing at an ESEA tournament earlier this year.

UK.- The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has issued three bans following its investigation into allegations of match fixing in Counter Strike: Global Offensive.

It began an investigation after members of the Rebirth team were recorded talking about who to manipulate the result of a match at an ESEA tournament. It has now issued five-year bans against Sebastian “retchy” Tropiano and Kevin “4pack” Przypasniak, effective from 2 April.

Another team member, Carson “nosraC” O’Reilly was given a 111 day ban, which he has already served. His ban was shorted because ESIC concluded that he could only be heard making one inconclusive observation in the recording that it was handed.

See also: ESIC reports potential suspicious betting at CS:GO rankings

ESIC said: “After assessing Mr. O’Reilly’s participation in the conversation, ESIC further engaged in investigatory lines of enquiry to seek out any evidence of further involvement in any corrupt behaviour beyond the recording.

“As at 22 July 2021, ESIC has concluded that there is currently no evidence that suggests that, unlike Mr Tropiano and Mr Przypasniak, Mr. O’Reilly perpetrated any other breaches of the Code.

“Consequently, time served by Mr. O’Reilly under effective suspension from the period of 2 April 2021 to 22 July 2021 has been deemed, by the Commissioner, as a sufficient sanction proportionate to his offence and he has been free since 22 July 2021 to play in ESIC member events.”

ESIC is continuing its inquiry, with another 34 related investigations. It said it was publishing the sanctions ahead of time because the recording used as evidence was already in the public domain.

Earlier in the year, ESIC rejected a “false narrative” that claims that it works for the esports betting sector.

It has denied being “a servant of the betting industry” after claims that it had given its support to a bill introduced in Nevada’s state senate, which aims to create an esports regulatory agency named the Nevada Esports Commission.

Also see Focus Gaming News’ interview with Ian Smith, integrity commissioner at ESIC.