Growing match-fixing probe in tennis snares more players

PARIS (AP) — Judicial officials say French police have questioned another batch of tennis players in a growing investigation into a match-fixing syndicate suspected of paying out hundreds of thousands of euros (dollars) to fix and then gamble on low-level matches.

The officials say seven French players were taken into custody this week and later released, taking the total number questioned in France so far to at least 17. An initial batch of four players was first questioned in January. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they aren’t authorized to publicly discuss the investigation.

The probe is being led by authorities in Belgium, where the syndicate’s suspected ringleader, an Armenian, is based. Belgian authorities say Grigor Sargsyan remains in custody in his home, monitored with an electronic bracelet.