An Australian sports betting syndicate has gone into liquidation owing approximately $1.5 million, just months after its founder was allegedly abducted by individuals connected to a major organised crime network.
The business, Worldwide Sporting Investments (WSI), was operated by Tyler Roberts, who managed a model that pooled investors’ funds and placed wagers through online bookmakers. Court filings indicate the company now holds less than $1,000 in its accounts.
Creditors have pushed WSI into court-ordered liquidation, claiming significant losses. Documents reveal that at least $1.5 million is owed, with little chance of recovery given the company’s financial state.
The operation functioned as a betting syndicate, with Roberts using investor capital to place sports bets. However, not all parties involved pursued repayment through legal channels.
In April 2025, Roberts and his partner, influencer Mariah Burr-McLean, were allegedly kidnapped by members of the Alameddine crime network, a group widely linked to drug trafficking activities in Sydney.
According to police reports, the couple was intercepted outside their home in Sunshine Coast and taken to a nearby property.
Authorities allege the group demanded repayment of a $2.5 million gambling-related debt, threatening serious harm if the money was not returned.
During the ordeal, Burr-McLean reportedly contacted friends and family via her phone to request urgent financial assistance. This communication ultimately raised the alarm and helped authorities locate the pair.
Police later arrested seven suspects in connection with the incident, all of whom face charges including extortion and deprivation of liberty.
Prosecutors allege that Roberts had earlier secured around $3.1 million in funding from individuals linked to the crime group in 2023.
Roberts, however, claims that a former associate was responsible for the disappearance of those funds.
Meanwhile, legitimate creditors, unrelated to the alleged kidnapping, are seeking to recover their losses through legal proceedings.
Identified claims total around $1.28 million, with additional unsecured debts estimated at roughly $871,000.
Liquidators have stated that the company appears to lack sufficient assets to repay creditors.
Investigations are ongoing to determine whether any funds or recoverable assets remain, but early indications suggest minimal returns for those affected.
The case highlights the risks associated with unregulated betting syndicates, particularly when large sums and unofficial investors are involved.