NETeller Duo In Court This Week

Published: Thursday, March 15, 2007 Online-Casinos.com

NETELLER DUO IN COURT THIS WEEK

But Department of Justice spokesperson does not have the prosecution plan, it appears

March 16 is the latest date set for a US court appearance for NETeller co-founders Stephen Lawrence and John LeFebvre following previous extensions, presumably to allow the federal authorities to build a case.

However, that still doesn't mean a hearing will take place, said Rebekah Carmichael, a spokesperson for the Southern District of New York U.S. Attorney's office approached by Casino City reporters this week.

One of three things can happen in the time period between being charged for a crime and being indicted on the charges, Carmichael said. The charged person can be indicted, not indicted, or the decision can be extended.

The two Canadian NETeller co-founders, neither of whom occupied positions of executive responsibility in the firm at the time of their arrest in the United States, face possible charges that include money laundering and have twice seen their court date extended at the request of US prosecutors.

"Essentially it's a calendar place-holder," Carmichael said. "It means that one of those three decisions will be made by Friday."

FBI agents arrested the NETeller co-founders this January on money laundering charges related to the e-wallet's role in transferring U.S. funds with the intent to promote illegal gambling.

Both men have posted massive bail and are restricted to the Southern District of New York until the matter is settled.

NETeller itself, which is based on the Isle of Man, listed on the London AIM market and regulated by the Financial Services Authority has not been charged with any offences, but blocked all US business following the arrest of its founders two months ago, and US players have been unable to access their account balances.

Subsequent reports indicated that the e-wallet was cooperating with US officials in their investigations, but later US Justice subpoenas served on major European banks triggered a huge public outcry over the Americans possibly over-reaching their authority. Most recent information to hand is that NETeller has engaged the services of a top US legal firm to safeguard its interests.

But, US player funds remain frozen with little indication of when or how they might be paid out or what interest is accruing whilst funds remain in limbo...and who gets that interest.