FBI Detain Online Betting Boss at Airport
The boss of online betting group BetonSports, David Carruthers, was detained by US federal authorities while changing flights in the US en route from the UK to Costa Rica yesterday.

In a statement this morning, the  STOCKWATCH UK group said it is currently seeking clarification as to the basis of the detention, adding a further announcement will be made when appropriate.

STOCKWATCH UK said the move is likely to be "politically motivated".

Carruthers was accompanied by his wife, who was allowed to travel on to Costa Rica.

BETonSPORTS said today that it was seeking clarification of the basis of the detention. Meanwhile, its operations in Antigua, where it is licensed, Costa Rica and Kuala Lumpur are operating as normal.

A spokeswoman for BetonSports said  Curruthers was detained at an unknown US airport at 11pm local time by the federal authorities.

Miami and New York are two main transfer points from Europe to Costa Rica.

Unfortunately only Madrid among European airports has direct flights to Costa Rica and Carruthers was sitting in the transit lounge at 11pm last night when he was approached by Federal agents who issued the traditional friendly greeting of ‘Would you mind coming with us, Sir.’

The department of justice has repeatedly said it regards online betting as an illegal activity under the Wire Act, which prohibits wagers on "sporting events".

Some companies say they have legal advice suggesting firms that take bets on sports are at greater risk of prosecution than those involved in internet gaming. A bill designed to tighten US law on online betting was last week passed by the House of Representatives and has been sent to the Senate.