Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Furthering their investigation into the online gaming industry, the US
Department of Justice (DOJ) has demanded evidence from companies in London
that have had dealings with online gambling companies. Among those caught up
in the inquiry include HSBC, JP Morgan, Investec and Deutsche Bank. It has
also been revealed that subpoenas were sent out to at least 16 banks as far
back as October, just days after President Bush signed the Unlawful Internet
Gaming Enforcement Act. The DOJ is said to have instructed the companies to
hand over all documents, e-mails and telephone records relating to online
gambling companies. Analysts speculate that the DOJ is targeting the
individuals that founded the companies and anyone that has benefited from
the industry, much like NETeller founders Stephen Lawrence and John Lefebvre
who have been charged with money laundering and face a maximum 20 years in
prison. The move by the U.S has not gone down well with many in the UK,
believing that the U.S is wrongly targeting firms out of desperation as they
seek to step up their crackdown on internet gambling.
"There is growing suspicion that the US Department of Justice is using its
muscle in a highly unpleasant manner, and is targeting financial
institutions beyond their own shores in a way that cannot be justified. I
hope the Department will stop and review its approach so that its behaviour
doesn't sour relations between us," said Alan Duncan, Shadow Trade and
Industry Secretary.