Saturday September 21 2013
- Soccer players charged with match-fixing have barricaded their doors at night in fear of the alleged ringleader, who’s in custody, a court has heard.
Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Scott Poynder said two of the four Southern Stars jammed chairs against hotel room doors in fear that Segaran Gsubramaniam, 45, would get people to “visit them”.
“Gerry” Gsubramaniam allegedly passed on information from associates in Hungary and Malaysia to members of the Dingley-based club in exchange for cash, accommodation and rental cars.
Melbourne Magistrates Court heard the investigation may potentially involve other Victorian clubs, as well in clubs interstate and overseas.
Senior Sergeant Poynder said records seized from Mr Gsubramaniam’s Oakleigh South premises – including torn papers pieced back together – indicated he had received around $230,000 since July.
The Malaysian national is accused of fixing five Victorian Premier League matches involving the Southern Stars between July and September.
Five stars including the coach and goalkeeper were bailed to December 6th, but can’t attend FFA-sanctioned games.
Senior Sergeant Poynder said the players were willing to give evidence against Mr Gsubramaniam, who they claim was “the main man”.
The court heard Mr Gsubramaniam, charged with five counts each of engaging in and facilitating conduct that corrupts a betting outcome, claimed he was “small fry”.
Prosecutor Peter Rose, SC, opposed bail, arguing Mr Gsubramaniam may interfere with witnesses and was a flight risk as he had no local ties and potential access to large sums.
Senior Sergeant Poynder said he had discussed obtaining passports in another name in secretly taped phone calls.
Defence lawyer Michael Gleeson said his client had no prior offences and should be bailed like his co-accused.
The bail hearing will resume on Tuesday.
– Emily portelli
