Monday, November 27, 2006

The big story last week was probably the largest gambling bust ever made by
New York police, which involved the arrest of over 20 people including a
well known poker pro and a one time sports talent scout, and the
confiscation of some $500 million of property and equipment. In a sequel
this week, the suspected Las Vegas moneyman for the multibillion-dollar
gambling ring was identified as posting a million dollar bail after being
extradited from Las Vegas. Monte Weiner, 56, was extradited from Sin City
and stood briefly before Queens Supreme Court Justice Stephen Knopf
yesterday (Thursday). He was arraigned on enterprise corruption, promoting
gambling, money laundering and other charges. Last week, Queens District
Attorney Richard Brown and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly announced a
33-count indictment against 27 individuals and three corporations all
connected with the global gambling ring. Using the Web site Playwithal.com
and toll-free numbers, more than $3.3 billion in wagers on football,
baseball, hockey, horse racing, golf and other sports were collected over a
28-month period. Weiner's 27-year-old son Eric was also arrested last week
and faces the same charges. He, too, posted $1 million bail. Both are facing
up to 25 years in prison.