Santa Clara County Arrests 4 in Gambling, Identity Theft and Drug Ring
Posted on Feb 18, 2009 10:33am PST
Today, investigators from the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office told the press that they have arrested 4 individuals that were connected to a gambling,
identity theft and
drug ring in San Francisco. The investigators stated that the individuals were connected with a criminal hub that was nicknamed "the Castle".
They arrested the offenders after obtaining a search warrant. The members of the Rapid Enforcement Allied Computer Team, which based in Santa Clara, went into a home in the Bay area which served as the crime hub. They had been conducting a high-tech investigation of the home for about a year prior to the search. During their year-long investigation, they found that the home hosted an "after hours" illegal gaming operation and a small-time casino that was equipped with slot machines and other illegal games. Additionally, investigators said that the people inside the home were known for selling methamphetamine.
The home was raided by law enforcement on January 30, 2009. While searching the home, agents found mail from 15 separate identity theft victims that were living in Woodside and Atherton. They also found templates of blank credit cards that they believe were used to make
fraudulent purchases along with a small amount of methamphetamines. The agents seized $10,000 that they say was connected to illegal gaming activities.
At the time of the raid, 27 people were found in the home, but only 4 were arrested for outstanding warrants and
possession of controlled substances.
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