Six people have been arrested in Melbourne after an investigation into illegal match-fixing in popular esport game, Counter Strike: Global Offensive.

Detectives from the Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit, along with detectives from the Organised Crime Intelligence Unit, executed warrants at a number of residential properties across Melbourne and Perth this week.

The investigation was launched by detectives in March following a tip-off from a betting agency regarding suspicious activity linked to bets being placed on competitive matches, police revealed.

Assistant Commissioner Neil Paterson said this investigation involving the esports industry was one of the first of its kind by Victoria Police.

“Esports is really an emerging sporting industry and with that will come the demand for betting availability on the outcomes of tournaments and matches,” he said in a statement.

“It’s important that police and other agencies within the law enforcement, gaming and betting industries continue to work together to target any suspicious activity.”