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 Gambling911 first brought us the news on Friday that Golden Casino was a target in an online gambling investigation. Undercover agents had been trying to join the casino in hopes of further investigation but were turned down multiple times. Eventually one agent was able to convince Golden Casino to let him sign up.
The investigation began last month, as law enforcement met with Golden Casino customers living in the US. The agents responsible for the investigation reported that small banks were also allowing them to investigate. They were told that processing online gambling transactions was not illegal under the current US laws. The Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA) has been brought up in the investigation which is the first time that the law has been enforced as part of an ongoing investigation for the US government.
Costigan Media, the owners of Gambling911.com have been granted access to files related to the investigation by the New York Circuit Court. They can learn of planned indictments related to the case but names and other sensitive information will remain sealed until the indictments are filed.
As the investigation became active, a new task force was assigned in Maryland, which has already been used as a base to investigate online gambling operations. The Maryland US Attorney, Rod J. Rosenstein reported to Gambling911 that the Obama Administration is supporting his efforts to eliminate illegal online gambling operations.
Rosenstein has taken measures to increase the effectiveness of the investigation and has been encouraged to "follow the money" when it comes to mortgage fraud and other criminal issues involving money including online gambling. Last Friday Baltimore officials joined up with the US Attorney's Office out of New York, the Louisiana State Police and the US Customs Office to investigate online gambling. Investigators seem to be focusing on eCheck processors and credit card transactions in business with online gambling companies.
"Seizing and forfeiting ill-gotten gains enables us to take the profit out of crime and use the proceeds to compensate victims," stated Rosenstein. "This new unit will work with federal authorities and with state and local officials on a wide range of cases in which federal forfeiture and money laundering statutes can help punish and deter crime. Federal laws allow us to pursue forfeiture of assets for many crimes, including mortgage fraud. Assets subject to forfeiture may include the fruits of crime- such as homes and vehicles purchased with criminal proceeds - and also the instrumentalities of crime- such as computers, vehicles and real estate used by criminals."
Further information regarding the investigation of Golden Casino and other online gambling operations will be released as new details become available.
Source: Gambling911.com
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