Personalised Celebrity/Athlete Video Messages

Although social media is beneficial in growing cricket and engaging with fans, the ease of communication and access to players is often exploited by corruptors who can easily make corrupt approaches from the safety of their computers or smartphones.

The use of legitimate fan engagement services such as Cameo and Memmo has been identified as a way for corruptors to promote their businesses and activity by paying players to do ‘shoutout’ video messages to their company, ultimately appearing as a willing promotional partner (almost certainly unbeknown to the player).

Recently, a known ICC ACU corruptor paid a number of players to record a video message for them and their company. The players were provided with the script that included the message ‘doing a great job and to keep up the good work’, specifically naming the corrupter and the company (which is involved in betting). The corrupter then uploaded these videos to their Instagram page, making it appear like the players were supporting/promoting their brand. ICC ACU reached out to some of the players who confirmed they had no idea the company was linked to betting and that the videos were all commissioned via a website that effectively acts as a third party.

Similar to the caution that needs to be taken by players with regards to any sponsorship offers, this incident highlights the importance of due diligence to research brands and people before establishing any such association.