Match Fixing Scandal: FBI raids VHL offices

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Federal agents raided the VHL offices early this morning. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) received a search warrant which allowed them to forcibly enter the VHL headquarters and seize all documents related to the drug TPE. At 6am this morning, the FBI executed the search warrant, entered the VHL headquarters and were seen taking away many boxes of papers, computers, cell phones, and other items.

 

For the previous week, Federal investigators at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have expressed frustration at the lack of cooperation from the VHL. The FDA recently joined the ongoing investigation headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Their addition came after the uncovering of information that the VHL was providing a pill called TPE to its players. To start their investigation, the FDA requested every internal document related to TPE, access to TPE itself, and access to all doctors who have worked with the VHL. According to the FDA, the VHL did not respond to those requests in a timely manner.

 

It’s clear this early morning raid caught the VHL by surprise. Dani Greene, VHL spokesperson was shocked by the aggressive tactics taken by the feds. They said “The VHL has complied with every reasonable request made during this investigation. We have even gone above and beyond by being completely transparent during this process. Transparent not only with the investigators, but with the public as well.” Dani said, alluding to their public press conference held a couple of weeks ago when the VHL informed the public of the fact the VHL games are actually a projection of a simulation. They continue, “Many requests have been for a substantial amount of information. We have met all those requests. The actions taken by the FBI today were unnecessary and unacceptable. Our goal is to protect our players, our fans, our league, and our sport. All of our actions have been with that in mind. If all our previous transparency still leads to a raid and the stealing of VHL property, we may have to re-evaluate how we work with the investigating bodies moving forward. ”

 

Some are wondering why the VHL is signaling a sudden change in strategy from being open and cooperative to unresponsive and standoffish has anything to do with the sensitivity of the subject of drugs and TPE. Does the VHL know they have been giving players an illegal substance and are now trying to cover-up that fact? Some suspect that the VHL’s change in strategy is because the VHL board of governors believes the scandal may actually be a good thing for the VHL. They think the VHL now wants to draw out the scandal for as long as possible.

 

There is no doubt the scandal has increased worldwide attention on the VHL. This has translated to an increase in TV viewership and attendance at games. “People are extremely excited about the showcasing of this new technology,” television expert Irma Chen said. The largest increase in viewership is from the young adult demographic, a demographic advertisers covet because their technology consumption patterns make them difficult to reach. Miss Chen continues, “Kids really seem to be enthralled by the revelation of advanced technology being integrated into a traditional sport. They think of it like esports to the extreme.”

 

A surprisingly few comments have been made to the public from VHL players and GMs. While stopping short of a full gag order to its players, the VHL did send a letter to every VHL team, VHLM team, and every VHL employee advising them to not make any statement to the press. For the most part, the ongoing investigation does not seem to have affected the normal functioning of the VHL’s leagues. All players and teams appear to be focused on the normal day to day business of playing professional hockey. A VHL GM, who requested to remain anonymous because they were not cleared to make a comment, said “It’s tough enough running a VHL team and trying to make the playoffs. I can’t waste my time worrying about some investigation I have no part of. And I can’t let my players lose focus by worrying about a scandal that has nothing to do with them. So we do our best to ignore it.”

 

The international community also is content to continue with their tournaments. Teams were recently announced for the World Junior tournament. Unfazed by the ongoing scandal, team USA included Charlie Paddywagon, the original target of this investigation.