In recent months, online sportsbook, 5Dimes, was involved in a potential money laundering investigation. It was reported by COSTA RICAN media site, Nacion.com, back in March, that the sportsbook’s manager, Marisol Carvajal Cordero, was connected to companies whose accounts were closed due to an inability to verify the source of funds in the accounts.
In a most recent update however, Costa Rican authorities have stated that 5Dimes will not be investigated, with deputy prosecutor in the country’s Office of Money Laundering, Alvaro Montoya, maintaining that sports betting is legal in Costa Rica. Alvaro explained that while instances of illegal sports betting should be investigated, the case regarding 5Dimes involves gambling, an act which is NOT illegal in the country.
Montoya commented that the country was “hardly going to tax someone who commits a crime,” in response to the fact that sportsbooks based in Costa Rica, such as 5Dimes, have been made to pay a tax based on their local payroll size, since 2012.
He went on to add that had there been “concrete information” regarding any illegal activity, he would have been willing to investigate the brand in affiliation to a possible crime, but explained that any legitimate evidence was “in the abstract.”
For now, the well-known sportsbook brand remains in the clear, with no forthcoming investigations planned. Montoya maintains that at this point in time, there has been no concrete evidence to support foul play, and until then, no further steps will be taken.
Source:
Amsel, Peter. “Costa Rica not investigating 5Dimes over US money laundering allegations”, calvinayre.com, May 10, 2016.
Vanenhox
7 years ago
I wonder how much illegal money laundering is facilitated through the use of online gambling operations. It seems to me that if you had enough accounts and people working at laundering money through them one could move substantial amounts of cash. However, I suppose it might be hard for a criminal organization to have hundreds...
I wonder how much illegal money laundering is facilitated through the use of online gambling operations. It seems to me that if you had enough accounts and people working at laundering money through them one could move substantial amounts of cash. However, I suppose it might be hard for a criminal organization to have hundreds if not thousands of ID verified gaming accounts used for this purpose.
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Kristen Munoz
7 years ago
even when I did not know this was a costa rican casino site I was on the side of 5dimes. this being said it makes me happy that they were cleared of the charges they faced with. it would have been a shame if the verdict went the other way. it was simple the facts were there and I now am wondering who wanted to shut down...
even when I did not know this was a costa rican casino site I was on the side of 5dimes. this being said it makes me happy that they were cleared of the charges they faced with. it would have been a shame if the verdict went the other way. it was simple the facts were there and I now am wondering who wanted to shut down this site. well being it didn't work 5dimes will hopefully not take any hits being falsely accused and put in a bad light it could have hurt them big time so I will be promoting them around town to gain some of the loss from this back for them. good luck 5dimes and all players out there too
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