Police close in on ‘matchfixing’ businessman

Belgian police are preparing charges against Zheyun Ye, a Chinese businessman at the centre of match fixing scandal involving several of the country’s top clubs. “It is not a case of if but when Zheyun Ye is charged and we will be issuing an international arrest warrant for his arrest,” Lieve Pellens, a spokeswoman for the federal prosecutor, told Reuters.

Ye was arrested last November during the police’s initial investigation but was released without being charged. The 40-year-old is believed to have returned to his country. Pellens said the police and Chinese authorities are working on an extradition deal since the countries currently do not have one. Belgium police are also working with officials in Finland and the UK, countries in which Ye conducted business.

"Although he is the key figure in our investigation, he didn't work alone," Pellens said. “In the UK, the betting exchange Betfair has told us they are willing to help us with whatever information we require and details on those who were involved in the betting. Ye also had or still has connections in Finland with a football club FC Alliansi.”

Pellens confirmed that five Belgian First Division clubs are currently under investigation, but only confirmed that Lierse, La Louviere and Sint Truiden were three of the clubs involved.

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