DOJ – An Antigua man has been arrested more than a decade after being charged in connection with his participation in a large-scale illegal gambling business which utilized an Antiguan Internet site but operated in the continental United States.
Richard Sullivan, 73, of St. John’s, Antigua, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston in August 2010 with racketeering (RICO), operating an illegal gambling business, transmission of wagering information, money laundering and interstate travel in aid of racketeering.
Sullivan was arrested on Aug. 20, 2023 at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York while proceeding through customs upon his return to the United States from Antigua.
Sullivan was arraigned in the Eastern District of New York on Aug. 21, 2023 and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
This prosecution marked one of the first times that individuals were charged with violating the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), and the first in Massachusetts.
The UIGEA statute was enacted in 2006 to deter the use of the U.S. banking system to pay Internet gambling debts incurred by U.S. citizens.
Sullivan and his co-defendants are charged with over 75 counts of engaging in U.S. banking transactions involving U.S.-based gamblers to pay gambling debts owed to Sports Offshore.
According to the indictment, Sullivan and his three co-conspirators – Todd Lyons, Robert Eremian and Daniel Eremian – operated Sports Offshore, an online gambling site licensed in Antigua that was actually operating in the United States, conducting an illegal gambling business that stretched from Massachusetts to Florida.
It is alleged that Sports Offshore used an Internet site and toll-free telephone line registered in Antigua to service United States customers.
The ring also allegedly employed approximately 50 gambling agents in the United States, who solicited hundreds of customers and collected gambling debts, forwarding the illegal gambling proceeds to Antigua.
To conceal the conspiracy, Sullivan and his co-conspirators allegedly created numerous fictitious entities with no legitimate business purpose to launder the proceeds of their illegal gambling business so that authorities could not detect U.S.-based financial transactions involving Sports Offshore.
Sullivan allegedly managed the daily activities of Sports Offshore at its gambling office in St. John’s, Antigua.
In that capacity, Sullivan allegedly supervised approximately 30-50 employees who accepted wagers from customers in the United States that were placed over the telephone and the Internet.
It is alleged that Sullivan directed collection activities regarding customers and agents located in the United States who owed money to Sports Offshore. Sullivan also allegedly served as an agent for Sports Offshore, in that he was responsible for a group of Massachusetts customers who gambled with Sports Offshore and he earned commissions on gambling losses incurred by those customers.
It is further alleged that Sullivan utilized individuals who resided in Massachusetts to collect money from his Massachusetts customers which he had shipped directly to Antigua via the mail.
In total, Sullivan and his co-conspirators allegedly collected over $22 million for Sports Offshore through the illegal gambling operation and laundered more than $10 million in checks and wire transfers.
In December 2011, Lyons and Daniel Eremian were convicted following a five-week jury for their roles in the conspiracy. Lyons was sentenced to four years in prison, one year of supervised release and was ordered to forfeit $24.6 million. Daniel Eremian was sentenced to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and was ordered to forfeit $7.7 million.
The charge of racketeering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of operating an illegal gambling business provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, and up to two years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.
The charge of transmission of wagering information provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, and up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000.
The charge of interstate travel in aid of racketeering provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, and up to two years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; Brian Kyes, United States Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; and John E. Mawn, Jr., Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Chao, Chief of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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The PM needs to intervene.
So, the PM cannot even intervene in the Judiciary at home, but he can do that in the USA.
All he needs is a very good lawyer. Cause we won the case at the WTO and the USA to date doesn’t want to pay us a dime. But they are still arresting those that were involved in internet gaming. Very unjust system if you ask me. It is best they start arresting those that were involved in the slave trade, “HUMAN TRAFFICKING”, and HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE. Extra judicial killings, vigilante justice and murder against black people.
And the strange thing is, how he obtained a visa to travel to the USA.
Even if the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda could’ve intervened, I’m certain that he would’ve stayed light-years away from this matter. This development has strengthened the understanding that The IHI and Odebretch cases will never be put to rest until…
This is why we must stop support the USA that had done nothing for us.
Did you stop to think.That perhaps he is a US Citizen.Or maybe they issued the Visa knowing he is wanted.What ever it takes to get your arses arrested.It would be done.You could be next in line Sideline.
Wow wow wow I’m happy that you have seen what is coming it takes time Oderbrech investigation remember that Mr James is cooperating with the US Athorities not yet been charged you know why other person are involve sitting Head of State you would not find that the agencies take action I saw Direct Lessness recently in a photo with the Nigerian Businessman looking real horrible Choski Kidnapping Torturing and Human trafficking This man Direct Lessness can give us all the information that leads to an arrest the famous boat ride this is a movie that ends up in Dominica just a matter of time
@U & I
Waw.
NOT ONE FULL STOP
That must be the longest sentence, ever…
And do what? The guy was charged years ago, so had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
You have to be pretty dumb to try walk through an airport with an outstanding warrant and not expect to be arrested
@Enquiring mind. So I guess I have to create a new online name after using Enquiring Mind for the past few years. NP.
There is no escaping the US Government and its agencies when they want to get you. They have literally wiped out Antigua’s golden goose that layed the golden eggs of the 1980’s and 90’s. The gaming companies, once Antigua’s most prolific businesses and mecca in terms of salaries paid, was virtually shut down due to pressure from the United States. And they didn’t stop there, they went after the CO’S and owners, most of whom were American citizens operating from this jurisdiction. The thriving gaming companies provided a wash of money not only for their employees but the statutory bodies saw their best days during their operation here. Medical Benefits, Social Security and Education Levy contributions were at their peak then. Additionally, many property owners made tons of monies from renting properties both for commercial and residential purposes for the said operations and their managers.The telecommunications companies also made a killing as the backbone for these gaming companies needed good solid internet and network infrastructure in order to operate. It was really our best days in Antigua. The literal death of the gaming industry forced government into new ways of getting revenue and this was where the Citizen By Investment Scheme blossomed.
Some operators were bold enough to go back to the US and were immediately held, arrested and prosecuted. Some allegedly resort to committing suicide here, fearing the long arm of the US law. Still others spent many years in hiding from US authorities. But Uncle Sam arms longer than rope. They never forget. Antiguan man by acquired citizenship. US citizen by birth.
Jojo please send condolences to Winstan Benjiman on the passing of his mother. His mother died his before the 400 meters hurdles on Wednesday. It must have been hard for to watch his son run on that day , knowing how close he was to him beloved mother. May her soul rest in piece and that her grandson Rai continue to do her proud .
I must also offer my condolences to him Antigua best cricket all rounder
Sorry all I meant his Personal Manager (PM)!!! Not the Prime Minister.
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Didn’t Antigua win a case against the USA on the issue of gambling in line at the international court? This is saying that the US don’t care about the ruling and that why the never paid ? Is this also saying that those that were involved in on line gambling then and were wanted by US law enforcement can still be picked up. Are the current operators of Offshore gambling still in jeopardy of being arrested if they land on US soil.
I can bet that the US will not arrest the Russian leader If he were to land on US Soil today.
They never did. That is why I say, the man needs a good lawyer. The USA owes us hundreds of millions because of this very same Gaming matter, yet they claim to be wrong and strong. What can I say? Uncle Sam is always right. Do as you want. Ah you run the world.
SIDELINED:The WTO,WHO,UN,UNICEF,cannot and could not tell any Country what to do and don’t do.The WTO has no damn power over the USA and or any other Country.
Are WTO panel decisions binding?
They are often considered by subsequent panels. They create legitimate expectations among WTO Members, and, therefore, should be taken into account where they are relevant to any dispute. However, they are not binding, except with respect to resolving the particular dispute between the parties to that dispute.
How are decisions from the WTO enforced?
The rules are enforced by the members themselves under agreed procedures that they negotiated, including the possibility of trade sanctions. But those sanctions are imposed by member countries, and authorized by the membership as a whole.
What happens if a country does not follow WTO rules?
WTO members have agreed that if they believe fellow-members are violating trade rules, they will use the multilateral system of settling disputes instead of taking action unilaterally. That means abiding by the agreed procedures, and respecting judgements.
@Frankly Speaking.
Putin would definitely not land on US soil anytime soon, not ever. Remember, there is an International Warrant for his arrest for Russia’s alledged war crimes committed in Ukraine especially in Bakhmut. The tyrant is boxed in and can only visit countries like Belarus and other insignificant fellow autocratic or dictatorial regimes. India, the world’s largest democracy, takes a more benign stance on Russia due to their long standing friendly relationship yet Putin would not dream of going there anytime soon because of the International Warrant and would cause India a huge embarrassment. That’s a no-go.
https://www.youtube/watch?v=VYOjWnS4cMY
…This is #America🏴☠️☠️💀
…Where, you become an #Illegal_Alien
…on their #Stolen_Lands!
…yet, as I run these #STREETS,
…under, these dancing feet
…the Twain did meet!
…for, I understand, that to #overstand!
…#Mos_Def, to understand is to understand!
…that, according to Poe!
…life’s a #dream with a #dream
…fu sure! Fe sure! For sure!
Kum een – childish gambino…I own no legal right(s) to any of your artistic productions, so this is for information and entertainment purposes.
I think, The World Court granted the Nation of Antigua, Barbuda & REDONDA, the legal right(s), to collect in their Ruling refs Internet Gaming/Gambling!
Ras Smood aka Jumbee_Picknee
De ‘ole Dutty Peg 🦶🏿Garrat_Bastard
Vere C. Edwards
Some years ago an ex-banker (Caucasian), Swiss-American Bank, was arrested in Barbados, after been on the wanted list for money laundering for many years. After having spent a night or two in custody in Barbados, the US Embassy gave the green light that he was no longer a person of interest. I expressly mentioned “Caucasian”. Could race have something to do with it here as well.
https://www.offshorealert.com/offshore-banker-william-cooper-escapes-extradition-on-a-technicality/
Offshore banker William Cooper arrested in Antigua
Antigua continued its battle to clean up the image of its offshore financial services sector this month with the arrest of a notorious banker and an attempt to force another suspect bank into receivership. American-born William W. Cooper, aged 59, was arrested in Antigua on May 18 after a warrant was issued against him in the United States, where he has been criminally indicted for alleged money laundering and fraud.
https://www.mondaq.com/offshore-financial-centres/83576/fox-in-the-henhouse-regulation-antiguan-style
Judge halts banker’s extradition to Gainesville
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — A judge halted the extradition of an American banker charged with money laundering in Gainesville, citing problems with the original extradition order, officials said Tuesday.
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2003/01/16/judge-halts-bankers-extradition-to-gainesville/28736256007/
William Cooper of California, who managed an offshore bank in this Caribbean country, is charged with scamming U.S. investors between 1994 and 1997 by taking advance payments for loans he allegedly said he would secure.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=349085578582698&set=pb.100004437768705.-2207520000&type=3
I wonder why the Editor had to specify him as an Antiguan man. Yes, he may have an Antiguan passport but doubt he is a born Antiguan and Barbudan.
But guess what, it fits in the agenda of making your country looks bad no matter what.
Like Choksi is considered an Antiguan and Barbudan. So just now the Headline will Change. “Antiguan Choksi wanted in India.”
I wonder why he would go back to the US knowing that there was a warrant for his arrest
I have seen him for a long time. One of those Caucasians that have made Antigua their home. I think he is a USA Citizen and was just going back to visit family. He must have been tired of running. But everyone knows it would have been better if he had gone to Canada and crossed the many little borders that have no computerize security. Or via Mexico.
I thought he was a National of Antigua and Barbuda.He is a damn American born.He is where he belongs.
The editor care more to brand him an Antiguan, which gives our country some publicity. That is what is called Love for your Country.
Can Calvin A travel to the land of the free and the brave?
I doubt it.
Sidelines exposing itself with that last comment as a fraudster just like the GB army it supports.
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