Thirty-four individuals have been indicted and accused of operating an illegal sports bookmaking business, known as Legendz Sports, which took more than $1bn in illegal bets, the US Justice Department has announced.
According to the indictment, Bartice Alan King, 42, from Texas, “conspired with others to operate internet and telephone gambling services first from San Jose, Costa Rica and then from Panama City, which took wagers almost exclusively from gamblers in the United States seeking to place bets on sports.”
The operation allegedly used bookies located in the US to illegally solicit and accept sports wagers as well as settle gambling debts.
“These defendants allegedly participated in an illegal sports gambling business, lining their pockets with profits from over a billion dollars in illegal gambling proceeds,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Raman.
“[The] charges demonstrate that we are as determined as ever to hold accountable those involved in facilitating illegal online gambling by US citizens, regardless of where the business operates, or where the defendants reside,” added Raman.
If convicted, the defendants face five to 20 years in prison on each of a range of counts, including racketeering, money laundering and operating an illegal gambling business. In addition, the indictment seeks a forfeiture "at least" $1bn.
