[opendtv] U.S. Steps Up Push Against Online Casinos by Seizing Cash
- From: Monty Solomon <monty@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Tue, 1 Jun 2004 00:36:45 -0400
U.S. Steps Up Push Against Online Casinos by Seizing Cash
By MATT RICHTEL
May 31, 2004
Federal law enforcement officials routinely seize money they suspect
is connected to activities like money laundering, terrorism or drug
smuggling. But in early April, United States marshals seized $3.2
million from Discovery Communications, the television and media
company, in an aggressive effort to crack down on a new target,
Internet gambling.
The money initially belonged to Tropical Paradise, a Costa Rica-based
Internet casino operation, which in October paid Discovery for
television spots to advertise an online poker room,
ParadisePoker.com. According to court documents, the government
seized the money and told Discovery, which is based in Silver Spring,
Md., that it could be party to an illegal activity by broadcasting
such advertisements.
Federal prosecutors contend that online gambling sites are illegal,
but the offshore casinos fall outside their jurisdiction. So for
nearly a year, the government has been trying to curb the sites'
activities by investigating and pressuring American companies that
provide services to offshore gambling sites on the theory that they
are "aiding and abetting" the operations.
Until now, the effort has largely involved seeking information from
American companies, including major broadcasters, Web portals and
industry consultants. The seizure of money significantly escalates
the government's attack.
...
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/31/technology/31gambling.html
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