If you have still been harboring doubts that the US is dead serious about their charges against the online poker sites, then this recent development will surely convince you. They have just arrested Ira Rubin, one of the eleven men entangled in the US Justice Department’s lawsuit. Rubin was in Guatemala when he was seized and he was subsequently detained in Miami.

Life Going 360

It must be quite daunting for Ira Rubin to have his life undergo a complete 360 because of the US stepping up its vendetta against the online poker industry. One minute he’s living the good life as one of the movers in the world of poker, the next he’s considered as a criminal by one of the most powerful countries in the world. Rubin was thereby caught in Guatemala and is currently being held in Miami. He appeared before the Miami Court last Wednesday and talked to Judge Andrea M. Simonton. Apparently, Ira has no idea whether he already has a lawyer. He did sign an agreement with one back in New York last Friday, but then he isn’t sure whether or not the lawyer has been paid. Also, Rubin said that he has not been able to make a single phone call since Monday. Rubin will return Friday April 29 to decide whether or not Rubin will just hire a local lawyer for representation.

Meanwhile, Ira will have to go back to the Miami Federal Detention Center. Rubin is currently charged with nine counts, namely violation of the UIGEA, operation of an illegal gambling business, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud.

Dark Updates

Ira Rubin now joins the ranks of Chad Elie, John Campos, and Bradley Franzen, who were all arrested for their involvement in the ‘charges’ filed by the US Department. Both Campos and Elie are already out, though, Campos because he paid a $25,000 bond and Elie because he paid a bail of $250,000. Franzen actually did what an exemplary citizen would and turned himself in. His bail was worth $200,000, and Franzen used his parents’ house as collateral for the while being. Indeed, those indicted are suffering hugely from the US DOJ’s actions. Seven men are still at large, which is quite scary in itself because they’re the most high profile of all included in this case. Who knows how things will go from now. Nobody knows what to expect – at all.