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U.S. Seizes Cash In Online Gambling Crackdown1 June 2004NEW YORK -- As reported by the New York Times: ``Federal law enforcement officials routinely seize money they suspect is connected to activities such as money laundering, terrorism or drug smuggling. But in early April, U.S. 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. ``The move has raised strong criticism from First Amendment experts, media industry executives and people involved with offshore casinos. They assert the federal government is relying on an untested legal theory in taking action against American companies, and using tactics more typically used against organized crime activities…." |