ESIC Issues Interim Suspension to Dota 2 Participant SANTIAGO “TAILUNG” AGÜERO GUSTAVO
The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has issued a Notice of Interrogatories and Interim Suspension to Dota 2 player Santiago “TaiLung” Agüero Gustavo in connection with an ongoing integrity investigation concerning his participation with LGD Gaming.
The investigation concerns suspected betting-related manipulation of Dota 2 matches, including reported communications and betting activity connected with LGD matches.
Under Article 4.7 of the ESIC Anti-Corruption Code, the provisional suspension takes effect upon service of the Notice. It prevents Mr Agüero Gustavo from competing, acting as a substitute, coaching, managing, receiving accreditation for or otherwise participating in an ESIC Member Event.
The suspension applies only to events and activities within the authority of ESIC Members. It does not alter the results of any match and does not purport to bind a non-member tournament organiser.
ESIC has imposed the measure because it considers that exceptional circumstances presently require protection of ESIC Member Events and the integrity of the investigative process. The suspension is protective, not punitive, and will remain in force until varied or lifted by ESIC in writing.
Importantly, this action is not a Notice of Charge and is not a final finding that Mr Agüero Gustavo engaged in match-fixing, placed or facilitated bets, disclosed inside information or received an improper benefit.
Mr Agüero Gustavo has publicly denied entering into any corrupt agreement and has offered to cooperate with the investigation. ESIC will consider his explanations, any exculpatory or contextual evidence he provides and all other relevant material before determining whether further action is warranted.
ESIC will review the necessity and scope of the interim suspension after finalising its investigation.
To protect the fairness and integrity of the investigation, ESIC will not comment further on the underlying evidence at this stage. A further public update will be issued when appropriate.
The original press release can be found here: https://esic.gg/interim-suspension/esic-issues-interim-suspension-to-santiago-tailung-aguero-gustavo/
