Three indicted for online sportsbetting

The police in Charlotte, New York have released limited details on the arrest and indictment on internet sports betting and money laundering charges of three local men following a police raid on the Marina Restaurant and Bar in the city.

The three arrested men have been named as Rochester residents Paul Borrelli (66) and Joseph Ruff (32) and 40-year-old Mark Ruff of Connecticut.

On Wednesday a number of police officers entered the restaurant with search warrants and shut it down. Investigations are continuing which could result in sentences of imprisonment and cash forfeitures as high as $76 million.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola told News10NBC that the charges emanate from a grand jury investigation into the affairs of the defendants since January 2012.

He claimed that the online gambling activities involved the use of multiple online sports betting websites as the three men facilitated illegal gambling by local punters.

Marangola said the websites provide the “line” and tallied the total won or lost by the bettors. According to authorities, cash payments to settle bets took place at face-to-face meetings, drop-offs at residences or The Marina Bar, which is owned and managed by Borrelli and Joseph Ruff.

Authorities seized more than $80,000 in gambling proceeds at various locations as a result of raids.

Marangola says the men could be required to forfeit $76 million. Prosecutors say that’s the sum of money equal to the total amount of gross wagers involved in the illegal gambling business, six bank accounts, three real properties and a vehicle.

Related and similar