Title: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: Anonymous on September 13, 2016, 07:21:47 AM
Post by: Anonymous on September 13, 2016, 07:21:47 AM
Gordon Baird, 59, admitted he was the administrator of the Platinum Sports Book, a sophisticated betting operation in Ontario that set up its computer servers in Costa Rica.
The police probe of Platinum was first revealed in spectacular fashion when officers raided a lavish Super Bowl party north of Toronto in 2013, a catered event with an open bar for 2,700 guests who vied for expensive door prizes including a motorcycle and Sea-Doo.
It was a party thrown annually by Platinum as a customer appreciation event. Court heard it cost more than $100,000 to run.
The cost, however, was a drop in the bucket of what money organizers were bringing in, court heard.
With computer servers in Costa Rica, toll-free phone lines, a smart-phone app for gamblers to bet on all major sporting events, the operation was technologically savvy, sophisticated and lucrative.
Based on police wiretaps, it is estimated that Platinum employed hundreds of bookies servicing thousands of clients within the Toronto area. The bookies signed up their own clients, collected their debts and paid out their winnings on a weekly basis. The money flowed up the pyramid, court heard, with the top acting as "the bank."
This was an extremely well-organized, professional criminal organization making millions of dollars
.
A financial audit of seized betting records show that between 2009 and 2013 Platinum grossed more than $103 million. Police seized $4.6 million in cash during its probe.
In 2012, $1.3 million in cash was found in the backpack of Erwin Speckert as he boarded a bus from Winnipeg to Vancouver. The source of the money was never revealed, but Monday's court proceedings confirmed it was Platinum money being couriered west. Speckert was sentenced last year to three years for money laundering.
"The operation is best viewed as a highly sophisticated and organized pyramid-type structure. The pyramid structure involved a number of 'cells' consisting of bookies and their sub-agents signing up bettors/clients," says an agreed statement of facts in Baird's case.
"These cells in turn are all connected to the top of the pyramid structure by those managing the organization."
The top — which Baird was not a part of — was not discussed in his proceeding. At the time of arrests, the RCMP said Platinum Sports Book was linked to members of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club and the Mafia.
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: Angry White Male on September 13, 2016, 07:51:40 AM
Post by: Angry White Male on September 13, 2016, 07:51:40 AM
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: Anonymous on September 13, 2016, 11:25:19 AM
Post by: Anonymous on September 13, 2016, 11:25:19 AM
I should get the Harley fired up!Quote from: "Angry White Male"
The illegal lottery too.
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: cc on September 13, 2016, 02:27:06 PM
Post by: cc on September 13, 2016, 02:27:06 PM
way back they bought and "used" the Vancouver to Alaska ship (Prince George) while I was hostess / cruise director on .. and everything went rapidly all to "hell"
set up its computer servers in Costa Rica.Quote
hmmm ..... Costa Rica eh? ........
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: Twenty Dollars on September 13, 2016, 02:36:38 PM
Post by: Twenty Dollars on September 13, 2016, 02:36:38 PM
Quote from: "Daisy May"Quite an operation ... Hells Angels are in criminal business everywhere in our land
way back they bought and "used" the Vancouver to Alaska ship I was hostess / cruise director on .. and everything went rapidly all to "hell"
Quoteset up its computer servers in Costa Rica.
hmmm ..... Costa Rica eh? ........
ac_smile
Of course. Were you born yesterday?
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: cc on September 13, 2016, 03:08:31 PM
Post by: cc on September 13, 2016, 03:08:31 PM
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: Anonymous on September 13, 2016, 07:10:41 PM
Post by: Anonymous on September 13, 2016, 07:10:41 PM
did they take your quote privileges away?Quote from: "Daisy May"
Of course he has had privileges taken away. Same old spamtard bullshit. He's too too stupid to learn.
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: Anonymous on September 13, 2016, 08:36:00 PM
Post by: Anonymous on September 13, 2016, 08:36:00 PM
Quite an operation ... Hells Angels are in criminal business everywhere in our landQuote from: "Daisy May"
way back they bought and "used" the Vancouver to Alaska ship (Prince George) while I was hostess / cruise director on .. and everything went rapidly all to "hell"
set up its computer servers in Costa Rica.Quote
hmmm ..... Costa Rica eh? ........
ac_smile
So, it would have made money even if there were no passengers.
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: cc on September 13, 2016, 09:37:33 PM
Post by: cc on September 13, 2016, 09:37:33 PM
My "pink" cabin was near the starboard bow .. yes, they painted it pink for me
I just finished the summer season and did not return next summer season mainly because I was not comfortable with the new ownership
Maybe Shen would have fought for the job
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: Anonymous on September 13, 2016, 10:01:04 PM
Post by: Anonymous on September 13, 2016, 10:01:04 PM
Yes. I'm not privy to all that happened, but for sure it was a money laundering "vessel"Quote from: "Daisy May"
My "pink" cabin was on the starboard bow .. yes, they painted it pink for me(//%3C/s%3E%3CURL%20url=%22http://www.sitnews.us/Kiffer/Princess/052311_ss_george.jpg%22%3E%3CLINK_TEXT%20text=%22http://www.sitnews.us/Kiffer/Princess/0%20...%20george.jpg%22%3Ehttp://www.sitnews.us/Kiffer/Princess/052311_ss_george.jpg%3C/LINK_TEXT%3E%3C/URL%3E%3Ce%3E)
I just finished the season and did not return
What an interesting job even though it was a front for organized crime.
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: cc on September 13, 2016, 10:04:11 PM
Post by: cc on September 13, 2016, 10:04:11 PM
Prior to that it was the ultimate dream job ... a small ship, neat crew and mostly nice easy to entertain passengers
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: Anonymous on September 13, 2016, 10:09:53 PM
Post by: Anonymous on September 13, 2016, 10:09:53 PM
Their ownership was near the end of my time on it and happened mid season and mid cruise .... we found out upon docking in in JuneauQuote from: "Daisy May"Prior to that it was the ultimate dream job... a small ship, neat crew and mostly nice easy to entertain passengers
I have no doubt it was..
How did you get that job?
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: Anonymous on September 13, 2016, 10:52:18 PM
Post by: Anonymous on September 13, 2016, 10:52:18 PM
Their ownership was near the end of my time on it and happened mid season and mid cruise .... we found out upon docking in in JuneauQuote from: "Daisy May"
Prior to that it was the ultimate dream job ... a small ship, neat crew and mostly nice easy to entertain passengers
That is so deadly ceec.
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: GORDY GAMBINO on September 13, 2016, 11:45:20 PM
Post by: GORDY GAMBINO on September 13, 2016, 11:45:20 PM
Their ownership was near the end of my time on it and happened mid season and mid cruise .... we found out upon docking in in JuneauQuote from: "Daisy May"Prior to that it was the ultimate dream job... a small ship, neat crew and mostly nice easy to entertain passengers
I have no doubt it was..
How did you get that job?
The same way she gets everything
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: cc on September 13, 2016, 11:53:55 PM
Post by: cc on September 13, 2016, 11:53:55 PM
I was told and choose to think that my sparkling personality played a role
and that it was not just my breathtaking beauty and voluptuous sultry sexiness alone
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: GORDY GAMBINO on September 14, 2016, 12:26:35 AM
Post by: GORDY GAMBINO on September 14, 2016, 12:26:35 AM
Cept ya didn't make the grade to be a hostie so they put ya on a fucken boat.
And the fucker sank just like in that film.;)
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: cc on September 14, 2016, 12:53:00 AM
Post by: cc on September 14, 2016, 12:53:00 AM
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: Bricktop on September 14, 2016, 01:45:24 AM
Post by: Bricktop on September 14, 2016, 01:45:24 AM
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: Angry White Male on September 14, 2016, 02:54:46 AM
Post by: Angry White Male on September 14, 2016, 02:54:46 AM
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: Anonymous on September 14, 2016, 08:29:27 AM
Post by: Anonymous on September 14, 2016, 08:29:27 AM
Well, Roo ScrooerQuote from: "Daisy May"
I was told and choose to think that my sparkling personality played a role
and that it was not just my breathtaking beauty and voluptuous sultry sexiness alone
ac_smile
A nice change from the toothless meth heads that are usually a one per center's old ladies.
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: cc on September 14, 2016, 11:01:31 AM
Post by: cc on September 14, 2016, 11:01:31 AM
On serious note, I left as cruise director shortly after they took ownership.
Hells' Devils are involved in so much crime .. and usually get away with it.
They are not just a bunch of losers on harleys but a major negative to our country
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: Anonymous on September 14, 2016, 11:09:07 AM
Post by: Anonymous on September 14, 2016, 11:09:07 AM
Sorry for exaggerating about my bod a bit, but Gordo so often sets himself up for me to overpower him with fun replies I can't resist the opportunitiesQuote from: "Daisy May"
:laugh:
On serious note, I left as cruise director shortly after they took ownership.
Hells' Devils are involved in so much crime .. and usually get away with it.
They are not just a bunch of losers on harleys but a major negative to our country
You can stll put cruise director on your resume.
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: GORDY GAMBINO on September 14, 2016, 11:13:35 AM
Post by: GORDY GAMBINO on September 14, 2016, 11:13:35 AM
This is exactly how nazi Germany started.
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: cc on September 14, 2016, 11:17:17 AM
Post by: cc on September 14, 2016, 11:17:17 AM
You can stll put cruise director on your resume.Quote from: "iron horse jockey"
Absolutely. The great times before they bought the ship, are extremely fond memories
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: Anonymous on September 14, 2016, 03:06:25 PM
Post by: Anonymous on September 14, 2016, 03:06:25 PM
sure, blame me ... you roo scrooerQuote from: "Daisy May"
ac_smile You can stll put cruise director on your resume.Quote from: "iron horse jockey"
Absolutely. The great times before they bought the ship, are extremely fond memories
Great conversation material too.
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: Anonymous on September 14, 2016, 07:51:55 PM
Post by: Anonymous on September 14, 2016, 07:51:55 PM
sure, blame me ... you roo scrooerQuote from: "Daisy May"
ac_smile You can stll put cruise director on your resume.Quote from: "iron horse jockey"
Absolutely. The great times before they bought the ship, are extremely fond memories
Did you quit when you heard the 81's bought the ship? Some staff must have stayed? I wonder how, if at all, work conditions, pay, perks changed?
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: cc on September 14, 2016, 08:28:05 PM
Post by: cc on September 14, 2016, 08:28:05 PM
Many of us said we would not return. I'm not sure if it ran the next season or not
My now mate .... I got with him a yr or so after the boat life .. spotted it at the Sqamish (I think) pier alongside the highway on the way back from Pembroke project I think it was. ( we had a picture of the ship on our wall, so he knew it right off, it is still on our wall in fact). That was maybe 3 yrs after my stint on it.
We turned back and parked near it. The person tending it allowed us on board after I explained my time on it (very nice of him) .. so I was able to show him the ship ... the lavish mahogany inside of it .. and my still pink cabin ...... we shall we say "loitered" a bit at the cabin, lol.
I was so happy to show it to him as he had to listen to me tell my ship stories for 2 yrs, lol
We did not find from the nice fellow who the then owners were.
Later from internet we found it had sunk
That's all I know about it following their purchase of it
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: Anonymous on September 14, 2016, 08:37:26 PM
Post by: Anonymous on September 14, 2016, 08:37:26 PM
They bought it near the end of the season. We all finished the season .. 2 or 3 runs (a week to Alaska and a week back - it was not fast and was known for stopping in several small towns in Alaska) I loved Juneau as it was an artist haven, OK, hippies, and while far from a hippie type, art was always my thing. We always stayed almost a day there so I got to know some good folkQuote from: "Daisy May"
Many of us said we would not return. I'm not sure if it ran the next season or not
My now mate .... I got with him a yr or so after the boat life .. spotted it at the Sqamish pier on the way back from Pembrook I think it was. ( we had a picture of it on our wall, so he knew it right off). That was maybe 3 yrs after my stint on it.
We turned back and parked near it. The person tending it allowed us on board after I explained my time on it (very nice of him) .. so I was able to show him the ship ... the lavish mahogany inside of it .. and my still pink cabin ...... we shall we say "loitered" a bit at the cabin, lol.
I was so happy to show it to him as he had to listen to me tell my ship stories for 2 yrs, lol
We did not find from the nice fellow who the then owners were.
Later from internet we found it had sunk
That's all I know about it following their purchase of it
I thought the HA would try to keep the appearance of being a cruise ship alive even if there were no passengers.
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: cc on September 14, 2016, 08:44:14 PM
Post by: cc on September 14, 2016, 08:44:14 PM
I forget the time of year for sure but think it was winter as we did a project north of there until winter shut it down and we drove back home ... it could have been moored for winter? There was only one person there and he lived on board
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: Anonymous on September 14, 2016, 08:58:32 PM
Post by: Anonymous on September 14, 2016, 08:58:32 PM
In Daisy May's case, it was so fascinating.
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: cc on September 14, 2016, 10:59:19 PM
Post by: cc on September 14, 2016, 10:59:19 PM
If they had not bought the ship, I prolly would have stayed at it for years, but ethically the best I could muster was to fulfil my season commitment
I thought about other ships, but they were all so big it would not be like our intimate experience on the small ship ... rather more like heavy business and plastic people ... so I did not pursue that venue further
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: Anonymous on September 15, 2016, 06:50:11 AM
Post by: Anonymous on September 15, 2016, 06:50:11 AM
Thank you Fash. It was fun for me to tell my tale, sweet memories for meQuote from: "Daisy May"
If they had not bought the ship, I prolly would have stayed at it for years, but ethically the best I could muster was to fulfil my season commitment
I thought about other ships, but they were all so big it would not be like our intimate experience on the small ship ... rather more like heavy business and plastic people ... so I did not pursue that venue further
When I was young and stupid, I was a hang around for a support club for the HA. At the time, I would have thought it was frickin awesome the deadhead patchers bought out my employer. As I got a little older I realized what a dead end that is. Glad to see you knew it from the get go.
And I agree with Fash, fascinating personal story.
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: Anonymous on September 15, 2016, 09:25:48 AM
Post by: Anonymous on September 15, 2016, 09:25:48 AM
They bought it near the end of the season. We all finished the season .. 2 or 3 runs (a week to Alaska and a week back - it was not fast and was known for stopping in several small towns in Alaska) I loved Juneau as it was an artist haven, OK, hippies, and while far from a hippie type, art was always my thing. We always stayed almost a day there so I got to know some good folkQuote from: "Daisy May"
Many of us said we would not return. I'm not sure if it ran the next season or not
My now mate .... I got with him a yr or so after the boat life .. spotted it at the Sqamish (I think) pier alongside the highway on the way back from Pembroke project I think it was. ( we had a picture of the ship on our wall, so he knew it right off, it is still on our wall in fact). That was maybe 3 yrs after my stint on it.
We turned back and parked near it. The person tending it allowed us on board after I explained my time on it (very nice of him) .. so I was able to show him the ship ... the lavish mahogany inside of it .. and my still pink cabin ...... we shall we say "loitered" a bit at the cabin, lol.
I was so happy to show it to him as he had to listen to me tell my ship stories for 2 yrs, lol
We did not find from the nice fellow who the then owners were.
Later from internet we found it had sunk
That's all I know about it following their purchase of it
It sunk? Did anyone drown?
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: cc on September 15, 2016, 10:33:15 AM
Post by: cc on September 15, 2016, 10:33:15 AM
It says towed to China for scrap and sunk on route in 95 - that part likely correct but not certain as the 2 were mixed together, disputed and confused in Wiki
I would guess that with the original burning, the name would become available in 45 and applied to the one I was on
It was far from new when I was on it but always looked luxurious / perfect and not fast which was the allure ... slow boat, enjoy the ride, see the shore up close, always slowed down for special views and stops in small towns that could dock her
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: GORDY GAMBINO on September 15, 2016, 04:26:34 PM
Post by: GORDY GAMBINO on September 15, 2016, 04:26:34 PM
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: cc on September 15, 2016, 04:41:17 PM
Post by: cc on September 15, 2016, 04:41:17 PM
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: GORDY GAMBINO on September 15, 2016, 05:02:07 PM
Post by: GORDY GAMBINO on September 15, 2016, 05:02:07 PM
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: Anonymous on September 15, 2016, 07:18:12 PM
Post by: Anonymous on September 15, 2016, 07:18:12 PM
" a " ?Quote from: "Daisy May"
ho
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: Lance Leftardashian on September 15, 2016, 11:37:09 PM
Post by: Lance Leftardashian on September 15, 2016, 11:37:09 PM
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: cc on September 15, 2016, 11:50:59 PM
Post by: cc on September 15, 2016, 11:50:59 PM
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: cc on September 15, 2016, 11:56:23 PM
Post by: cc on September 15, 2016, 11:56:23 PM
" a " ?Quote from: "Daisy May"
hoac_razz
I knew you would get and like that
Side's ... one shouldn't discriminate against hos ....... ask Kranny Lanny
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: cc on September 15, 2016, 11:57:08 PM
Post by: cc on September 15, 2016, 11:57:08 PM
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: Anonymous on September 17, 2016, 05:00:13 AM
Post by: Anonymous on September 17, 2016, 05:00:13 AM
Quite an operation ... Hells Angels are in criminal business everywhere in our landQuote
way back they bought and "used" the Vancouver to Alaska ship (Prince George) while I was hostess / cruise director on .. and everything went rapidly all to "hell"
CC,
Stop spreading rumours about my beloved Hell's Angels.
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: cc on September 17, 2016, 12:51:01 PM
Post by: cc on September 17, 2016, 12:51:01 PM
Title: Re: $103M illegal gambling ring allegedly linked to Mafia, Hells Angels
Post by: Anonymous on September 17, 2016, 05:08:07 PM
Post by: Anonymous on September 17, 2016, 05:08:07 PM
me bad ... velllly vellllly baaaaadQuote from: "Daisy May"
ac_smile