Israel Police Suspect Illegal Online Gambling Ads

The Israel Police National Fraud Unit's computer crime squad has raided the offices of websites MSN Israel and Start, owned by Microsoft and Internet Gold Ltd. The police also raided the offices of Nana, owned NetVision Ltd. The websites are suspected of advertising illegal online gambling sites.

Two weeks ago, at the order of the Attorney General and State Prosecutor, the Police Investigations and Intelligence Department began enforcing laws against advertising of online gambling sites, especially online advertising.

Police investigators today continued gathering prima facie evidence of illegal advertising on the Internet of gambling sites. Investigators said MSN Israel and Start continued to publish advertisements of gambling sites, despite police action against Walla! Communications Ltd and Sport Line, and media reports detailing enforcement measures.

Investigators today searched the offices of websites and companies that advertised gambling sites, in an effort to gather evidence against suspects. As of webposting, the police were questioning senior managers of these websites and companies.