New York online gambling ring busted
An Internet gambling ring was
broken today by the New York police, with the cooperation of
authorities in New Jersey.
Total
of 18 people were arrested by the Metro New York police, accused
of being part of the $8 million a month illegal gambling
ring. The bets mostly professional and college sports, with
limits as high as $100,000, had been entered by computer to a
"wire room" in Costa Rica, said Westchester District Attorney
Janet DiFiore. Online casino gambling was also offered, in
addition to sports betting.
The investigation began in
October 2005 with information obtained by the police in Harrison
using eavesdropping devices, said Harrison police chief David
Hall, with more arrests to be expected as the investigation
progresses.
Bettors had to be first
introduced to any of the bookies, which were part of the illegal
gambling ring, and then they could either deposit online using
over 60 websites, calling the office in Costa Rica or calling
the bookie.
Adam Green, 34, of Manhattan,
is pointed as the leader of the illegal gambling enterprise, who
was also the owner of most of the online gambling websites.
Anthony Giovaniello, 37, of Hawthorne, N.Y, was the one
responsible for managing the bookies, part of the gambling ring.
Both men were charged with enterprise corruption, which has a
max sentence of 25 years. Fourteen others were also charged with
enterprise corruption, one was accused of promoting gambling and
one was charged with weapon possession.
The police also confiscated
over $1 million in cash, jewelry, weapons and many other assets.
It is unlawful in the United
States to operate online casino or online sports betting
website.
05/07/2007
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