Internet Gambling Sting In Nevada Puts Purpetrators On Probation

Gambling News - January 20th, 2010 - Written By Bonnie

While gambling online is not a crime, operating Online Gambling ventures in the States is currently illegal. On Monday, sentencing was passed against two people who had been actively hosting a gambling ring over the Internet. No prison time was distributed.

Franciso Lombardo, 52, and Kimberlie Lombardo, 43, both plead guilty to their crimes. These included processing wire transfers thorugh Western Union and banks, as well as helping with the organization of the project. They were allegedly low level operatives in the enterprise, working for Francisco's brothers, Baron and Count. Francisco and Kimberlie were allegedly unaware of the Wire Wager Act, and had been simply taking orders from the brothers Lombardo.

Seven were arrested over this particular online gambling operation, including the Lombardo brothers, Richard Carson-Selman, Tina Hill, and Henry Bankey. Bank fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, and racketeering were amongst their charges.

According to the prosecution, the gambling operation would launder money for online sportsbooks. The funds would ultimately land in Utah based companies, after having been shipped throughout the world. Over $150 million had been collected in proceeds over the years 2000 to 2007. The IRS had been apprised of the situation through the oddities of the transactions.

Francisco and Kimberlie were allegedly unaware of the Wire Wager Act, and had been simply taking orders from the brothers Lombardo.