Man Accused of Match Fixing and Wanted by Interpol Detained in Dubai

The Dubai Police have apprehended “William Pereira Rugato,” a Brazilian citizen listed on INTERPOL’s Red Notice, for allegedly orchestrating fraud in his home country by manipulating football match results.

Dubai Police confirmed over this weekend that 34-year-old Rugato was arrested upon his arrival in the UAE from a European country for a visit.

Colonel Tariq Sultan Hilal Al Suwaidi, Director of the Wanted Persons Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation, indicated that the arrest of the internationally wanted suspect reflects Dubai Police’s commitment to fostering collaboration and coordination with law enforcement agencies worldwide to combat transnational organised crime in all its forms.

Match-fixing and other crimes in sport are a way for organized syndicates to generate high profits and launder their illegal proceeds, with limited risk of detection, Interpol explains on its own site.

"The INTERPOL Match-Fixing Task Force (IMFTF) forms the focus of INTERPOL’s operational response in this area. It brings together law enforcement agencies around the world to tackle match-fixing and corruption in sport.

"The Task Force has around 100 member units, with more than 150 National Points of Contact worldwide. It focuses on sharing experiences and best practices and acts as a platform for investigations and international case coordination.

"The IMFTF supports member countries in criminal investigations and joint operations in all sports, and maintain a global network of investigators that share information, intelligence and best practices."