California Authorities Raid Internet Cafes, Arrest 3 People

Authorities in California have raided two internet cafes earlier this week, arresting three employees and seizing 60 computers in the process.

Police said that they believe that the cafes were in operation since at least last summer, and were operating using internet based gambling sweepstakes rules which have been outlawed in the Golden State. An investigation into how the cafes were operating has been undergoing for the last three months.

The raids were done during business hours, and none of the people actually gambling were arrested by the police. Those taken into custody were employees at the cafe, and will face minor charges.

“It’s a misdemeanor crime, so the real punishment comes from the cost of losing all these computers,” said Visalia Police Sgt. Curtis Brown .