US authorities have undertaken a national-scale investigation on illegal online gambling activities resulting in the arrest of the US citizen Jerry Bass. He was charged with running an illegal gambling organization that was disguised as a non-profit fundraising center, called the Allied Veterans of the World Inc. & Affiliates (AVWIA).
The investigation was managed by the US Secret Service, the IRS, the Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Jackson Sheriff’s Office (JSO), finally determining the scope of the illegal operation and arresting Bass, Nelson Cuba, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Union, and Kelly Mathis, AVWIA’s attorney.
The online gambling activity had been running under the AVWIA disguise since 2007, operating slot machines and other casino games in the state of Florida. The organization had raised approx. 290 million USD in the last 5 years, out of which only 6 million USD made it to the Veteran’s Administration.
The investigation found that the casino software was provided by International Internet Technologies LLC (IIT), supported by Chase Burns, owner of the Florida Gaming Promotions, who also runs two of Florida’s internet casinos.
US authorities took a closer look at the AVWIA when the organization reported that 70% of its net profits went to the Veteran’s Administration.
Veteran’s Administration is a branch of the military system that provides benefits for America’s veterans and their families as a part of the welfare scheme. The 70% net profits report proved to be a scam, unveiling the AVWIA’s illegal activities.
The investigation team is also analyzing evidence from International Internet Technologies software provider on possible conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud, operating an illegal gambling business and money laundering.