Raids across Singapore resulted in the arrests of 14 people suspected of "being part of an organized crime group involved with match-fixing activities," according to a joint statement released by the Singapore Police Force and the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau on Wednesday. Interpol also confirmed its involvement in the arrests.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the identity of the group's leader. However, a police official speaking to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity said Tan Seet Eng - known as Dan Tan - was among those arrested in the raid.

An international warrant was issued in December 2011 for Tan's arrest in relation to his alleged role as the key player in the match-fixing group. Italian authorities have accused the Singapore national of earning millions of euros by bribing players, fixing matches and then betting on them in several countries.

In February, European law-enforcement body Europol announced it had uncovered evidence of match-fixing in more than 380 games between 2008 and 2011. Europol said its investigation also found evidence of involvement by a Singapore-based crime organization.

The crackdown on the group was met with praise by Interpol and sport officials.

"Singaporean authorities have taken an important step in cracking down on an international match-fixing syndicate by arresting the main suspects in the case, including the suspected mastermind; no person should doubt Singapore's commitment to fighting match-fixing," Interpol Secretary General Ronald K. Noble said in a statement.

kms/mr (AP, AFP)