|
|
|
| | | January 17 - Two ex-directors of NETeller Plc, a leading online payment processor for the online gambling industry, were arrested in the United States yesterday on charges of 'conspiring to illegally transfer funds'.
John Lefebvre and Stephen Lawrence, both founders and ex-directors of Isle of
Man-based NETeller, were arrested yesterday in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Malibu, California respectively.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Michael Garcia said in New York, 'Both Lefebvre
and Lawrence were fully aware that when they took NETeller public that its
activities, as well as those of the online gambling companies it serviced, were
in blatant violation of U.S. law.'
If convicted, both men face up to 20 years in prison.
Since the passing of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) into law last year, NETeller shares have lost 79 per cent of their value. In 2005, NETeller processed over $7.3 billion in online payment transactions.
The arrests of Lefebvre and Lawrence are part of an ongoing U.S. crackdown on
online gambling, which began last year with the arrest of online bookmaker
Betonsports Plc CEO, David Carruthers and later then-Chairman of?
Sportingbet Plc, Peter Dicks, both accused of being in violation of online gambling laws.
In a telephonic statement from London, NETeller spokesperson George Cazenove
said that 'There is currently no connection between NETeller and the charges
against the ex-directors.'
NETeller shares were suspended in London this morning. Yesterday they closed at
176 pence, valuing the company at 211.1 million pounds.
| Related Articles:
| - Online Gambling Software Developer May Relocate to Costa Rica - 01-19-07
- Online Gambling Update Post Neteller Arrests - 01-19-07
- Online Gambling Still Possible in the US - 01-18-07
- Online Gambling Costs UK Companies - 01-17-07
- Online Casino Offers Free Roll Tournaments - 01-16-07
- Online Casino to Add New Language - 01-15-07
- Online Gambling Software Firm Buys Poker Room - 01-15-07
- Online gambling website stops accepting US players - 01-14-07
|
 |
|
|
