Raid of Internet betting ring nets 12

MIAMI, May 24 (UPI) -- A dozen people were arrested in a raid of a suspected Internet betting ring that encapsulated three Florida counties, authorities say.

Authorities said 12 employees of the Chappy Sports Gambling and Bookmaking Enterprise were arrested this week for allegedly organizing illegal bets in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, The Miami Herald reported Saturday.

During Thursday's raid of the Internet operation, which is based out of Costa Rica, police also seized $278,000 in cash. A 79-year-old man accused of masterminding the gambling ring was found with nearly $200,000 in cash when arrested, police say.

Officials with the Broward Sheriff's Office alleged the online gambling ring allowed participants to make millions of dollars during the last eight years through illegal betting.

Authorities told the Herald that the suspects, who may have ties to the New York mafia, are facing loan-sharking and racketeering charges.