3 Online Poker Houses Face Fraud Charges in NYC

NEW YORK (AP) -- Authorities in New York City have unsealed an indictment charging 11 people with bank fraud and illegal gambling in a prosecution of the three largest Internet poker companies.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan said Friday they've issued restraining orders against more than 75 back accounts used by the poker companies, interrupting the illegal flow of billions of dollars.

A prosecutor says PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker and Absolute Poker created an elaborate scheme that included fooling banks and bribing officials at a few to keep money flowing.

The indictment seeks $3 billion in money laundering penalties and forfeiture from the defendants.

Arrests occurred in Las Vegas and Utah.

It isn't immediately clear who would represent the defendants in court.