The FBI carried out raids this week on gambling rings operating in the U.S. These rings were actively involved in online gambling and land gambling. The raids took place in New York and other locations in the U.S.
The most prominent of these was in the state of New York at an art gallery that is owned by Helly Nahmad and located at the Carlyle Hotel on Madison Avenue. The raid results in dozens of arrests in New York, which saw the most of the arrests. Additional cities involved in the raid include Los Angeles, Miami and Philadelphia. Those charged face charges of money laundering and illegal gambling. The FBI seized evidence to support the charges.
It is claimed that those involved were members of the Russian mob who operate illegal high stake poker games as well as offshore betting sites that were backed by celebrities and pro athletes. A number of professional poker player have been indicted including Bill Edler, Joe Mancuso, Eddie Ting and John Hanson. It is said organizers also arrange for high stake games for the likes of Matt Damon, Leonardo Di Caprio and Tobey Maguire.
The proceeds of these crimes were held in offshore account and was transferred using high tech money-laundering tactics to move over $100 million.