Casino news source: Packet and Times - http://www.orilliapacket.com
Casino Rama staff busted in international cheat ring
By Teviah Moro
Local News - Thursday, May 24, 2007 Updated @ 6:14:58 PM
Casino Rama is a focal point in an North American investigation which busted an international casino fraud ring, resulting in numerous arrests in Canada and the United States.
Fifteen arrests, including several employees from Casino Rama, today were the product of a 44-month investigation involving Ontario Alcohol and Gaming Commission, OPP, Windsor Police Service and the joint force Organized Crime Section - Asset Forfeiture Unit.
Canadian investigators are calling the sting operation the largest in memory, said Sgt. Bob Paterson, a media spokesperson at OPP headquarters in Orillia.
“Only one casino was effected and it was Rama,” Paterson said.
Police said the offences involved the recruitment of casino dealers to fix the outcomes of card games, resulting in at least $2 million in losses.
“So what they’ve done is they’ve infiltrated casino staff,” Paterson said about the ring. “I guess Rama is where they’ve infiltrated the casino staff.”
The operation bears the mark of organized crime in the sense that the ring’s members knew each other, he said.
“It took some cooperation and planning,” Paterson added.
Charges included participating in a criminal organization, conspiracy, laundering proceeds of crime, fraud over $5,000, possession of stolen property and cheat at play.
There are seven outstanding arrest warrants.
Casino Rama had little to say Thursday about the arrests.
“Because it’s an ongoing OPP matter, we don’t comment,” Jenna Hunter, media spokesperson told The Packet & Times.
“Integrity and security are priorities at Casino Rama and at all (Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation) locations,” Hunter added.
The casino won’t comment on any of the employees nabbed by police, she said.
There were several more arrests made in the U.S., Paterson said.
Those arrested in Ontario will be sent to Orillia for bail hearings on May 25, and others will make first appearances on June 26.
Police said arrests in the U.S. were coordinated by the FBI with help from police in Michigan, Indiana, California, Washington, Nevada, Mississippi, Louisiana and Connecticut.
No other arrests were made at Canadian casinos, Paterson said, but added police are on the lookout for any illegal activity.
“Certainly, our investigators are aware and looking for this sort of thing continually.” |
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