New York police are referring to it as the biggest illegal internet sports betting operation they’ve ever busted. The ring, based in suburban Albany, took in more than US$57 million worth of bets between September 2006 and March this year using an offshore web site located in Costa Rica, www.linewiz.com.
The bust followed an 18-month police investigation into computer generated bets on several sports, including professional and college basketball and football, NASCAR and ultimate fighting. Police say bettors from New York to Florida placed bets with the illegal service – with bets ranging from US$1 to several thousands.
Thirteen people – 12 men and 1 woman – face charges ranging from money laundering to enterprise corruption as a result of their alleged roles – with 63-year-old George Bedigian of Syracuse and 62-year-old Joseph Carucci of Latham, thought to be the ringleaders. Both men are charged with enterprise corruption and, if convicted, face 25 years in prison. All 13 suspects have pleaded not guilty.
It’s not the first time Mr Bedigian has been accused of involvement in illegal gambling operations. In May 2005 he was the kingpin of a US$20 million gambling operation in Syracuse and was charged with counts of promoting gambling, possession of gambling records and money laundering.
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