Police fraud squad investigates bungs

An investigation into football agents and corrupt transfer deals has been going on for two months The Daily Telegraph reported. The investigation is being conducted by police from the City of London fraud squad and is thought to be the first time the police have opened a formal investigation into accusations of bung taking and fraud in the national game.

The major development comes a day after Lord Stevens announced the findings of his eight-month probe into football and announced he was still investigating 17 transfers involving eight agents.

"We are conducting a limited investigation into corruption in football," said a spokeswoman for the City of London police. "However, this is not connected with Lord Stevens' findings, although we have discussed general issues with members of his team over the last couple of weeks. We cannot comment any further at this stage."

The use of the word limited is in reference to the extent of the police investigation that is mainly focused on a small number of agents and deals.

Although it is known that Stevens and his Quest team are working closely with the police, the investigation was not initiated by the Premier League's inquiry into 362 transfers between January 2004 and January 2006 but is likely to have been started by a tip-off from someone inside the football business.

Three weeks ago officers from the City of London fraud squad gave disclosure orders to Quest, forcing them to hand over all documents relating to the transfers and agents they are investigating.

Quest must release all evidence and information demanded by the police, including matter obtained from confidential sources.

Since the court requested the material, Quest cannot be held liable for legal action from witnesses for violating the confidentiality agreement. Stevens and the Premier League have been accused of whitewashing the report, but the former Metropolitan Police Commissioner said that the investigation could enter a more significant phase on Wednesday when he repeatedly said he had handed evidence to the authorities.

Stevens refused to identity the agencies involved but it is now becoming clear that football's honor is facing an unprecedented level of scrutiny.

In addition to the police, it is also thought he will hand evidence to Revenue and Customs investigators.

In addition, the Serious Fraud Office is expecting a report on at least one of the agents that Stevens said blocked his inquiries, according to The Daily Telegraph.

"Stevens and his team have done some impressive work but their powers are limited," said an industry insider. "The fact there is a proper police investigation up and running means this is now a totally different ball game."

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.