TERROR BETS WARNING
Bookies put on alert for extremists laundering cash with online wagers
Manager signs shirts for the boys Web bets may fund terror
Britain’s Gambling Commission said even online bingo was open to abuse by extremist groups to fund activity.
Terrorists could be using forged or stolen ID documents to set up internet betting accounts to wash cash, according to the industry body’s alert.
They launder the cash by placing low-odds bets and taking a hit on the ones they lose.
The official warning said the “customer not being physically present for identification purposes” meant there was a “higher” risk of laundering.
It warned of “customers from highrisk jurisdictions” or those who appear on “international sanctions list”.
And the vast array of remote gambling firms can be used to set up multiple accounts, making it harder to track deposits and wagers.
Firms were also warned that the Wild Boars, to visit when news of their safe recovery broke. They have travelled here to thank British cave divers John Volanthen and Rick Stanton, who helped rescue them in July. They will be reunited at the awards ceremony at Grosvenor House in London tomorrow. e-payments and pre-pay cards had made terror finance easier.
University of Buckingham security expert Prof Anthony Glees said: “Gambling sites could be a way to get British terrorism supporters to donate.
“There is a link between these sites and nefarious activities, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they were being used by terrorists to launder cash.”
The Commission called for more staff training and vigilance from bosses.
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