Michael Hershman, Group CEO of the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS)

16 October 2017: Michael Hershman, Group CEO of the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) – a leading international non-profit organisation working in sport safety, security and integrity – participated in the World Association of Detectives 92nd Annual Conference this week and called on the law enforcement community to play a more active role in tackling corruption in sport.

Taking part in the Round Table Dialogue entitled ‘Anti-Corruption Partnerships – Empower Professionals’, the ICSS Group CEO highlighted the significant role that collective action can play in fighting fraud and corruption in society and encouraged the law enforcement community – including national and international agencies, policy makers and intelligence services – to pay greater interest and a more active role in tackling corruption and integrity issues affecting the sports industry.

Speaking to an audience of top investigators and security professionals, Michael Hershman, ICSS Group CEO, said:

“Fighting fraud and corruption, regardless of industry or sector, requires collective action and the combined efforts of business, government and civil society. As a community at the forefront of fighting crime, law enforcement plays a vital role in protecting civil society and can help safeguard sport from the many integrity challenges that it now faces from criminal organisations.

“By playing a more active role in collective action initiatives within the sports industry – like the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) and others – and by establishing strategic partnerships with NGOs, governments and other key organisations, I believe that the law enforcement community can be a key driver in bringing about positive change within the sports sector.”

During the discussion, Hershman also highlighted the progress made by many sports organisations and how a number of international governing bodies have established in-house integrity units. He also drew attention to the ICSS Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which was recently established earlier this year and staffed by a number of highly experienced law enforcement experts and investigators.

He added:

“As a non-profit organisation that was established in 2010 to enhance the safety, security and integrity of sport, the ICSS has established a dedicated Special Investigations Unit to build on our previous work in sport integrity and to meet the growing demand for investigations within the sports industry.

“As part of its work, the ICSS SIU will look to actively work in partnership with law enforcement agencies, the anti-corruption community, governing bodies and other sports organisations to investigate reports of misconduct in sport.”

If you or your organisation is interested in learning more about the ICSS Special Investigations Unit services and would like to speak to one of our investigators, please contact info@theicss.org