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UK Police Attack Proposed Gambling Bill

UNITED KINGDOM – As reported by the UK Times: "Tessa Jowell, the culture secretary, has come under fire from Britain's most senior police officers over moves to grant American casinos an exemption from Europe's strict money laundering rules.

"The Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) has written two submissions to the government setting out its opposition to any concessions on money laundering laws.

"Its protest comes as new evidence has emerged showing that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is considering an exemption after fierce lobbying from American gambling interests.

"…Unlike America, a European Union directive requires gamblers to provide casinos with proof of identity on all transactions of £700 or more.

"Acpo's gaming committee, led by Phillip Brear, deputy chief constable of West Yorkshire, wrote to the Treasury about concerns criminals and terrorists may exploit a relaxation of rules. Money can be laundered through casinos by gamblers who buy chips, then cash them and provide a receipt to legitimise the proceeds.

"The Acpo concern is shared by Scotland Yard, the National Criminal Intelligence Service and the City of London…"

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