Mafia bosses are reportedly targeting UEFA referees with £25,000 offers to bribe them into throwing football matches.
The Sun reports that referees have been targeted by sophisticated cyber-crime software, which was fine-tuned over the pandemic.
According to The Sun, they have seen a memo warning: “The corrupters used cyber-crime techniques not seen previously in reported corrupter communications. This could point to an increase in the use of sophisticated tactics or to possible collaboration with these groups.
Mafia bosses are reportedly targeting UEFA referees with £25,000 offers of bribery
According to Europol, “This evolution might have been accelerated due to the Covid lockdown during which cybercriminals both diverted and intensified criminal activities.”
It is believed that the memo has been sent to The Football Association.
According to the report, it’s believed that crime gangs have their headquarters in Asia.
Although it is unlikely that English referees were the target, messages were still sent in English.
UEFA organizes three European competitions: the Champions League Europa League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.
Referees are from all continents and officiate the matches.