Feds probe computer game supplier

Torus Tammer

FOUNTAIN VALLEY -- An Internet entertainment game company here is

being investigated by the FBI, police and U.S. postal inspectors amid

allegations that the firm accepted between 2,500 and 3,000 orders for

Sony’s new PlayStation 2 but did not deliver the video game system to its

customers.

Gametek, in the 17000 block of Newhope Street, processed money orders

and credit card orders from customers around the country, charging

$349.99 for a system that Sony recommends should retail at $299, Fountain

Valley Police Sgt. Jim Perry said.

“We have no record of them delivering any units,” Perry said. “They

set up their business in Fountain Valley two months ago and have been

processing orders from all over the country. We have even received an

e-mail from Brazil regarding this matter.”

Attempts to reach Gametek officials for comment were unsuccessful.

The FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Fountain Valley Police

Department are investigating the company, Perry said.

Bill Bohrk, who owns the building that leased an office to Gametek,

said he was surprised when 19 federal agents, postal inspection agents

and police detectives showed up at his building with search warrant in

hand last week.

“No one from Gametek was there when authorities searched their

office,” Bohrk said. “After they [authorities] left, a sign was put up

saying that Gametek had been closed and any inquiries were to be directed

to the police. The last time I saw someone from Gametek was last week,

two hours after the search took place. One of the Gametek members showed

up, and as soon as he read the sign, he disappeared.”

Bohrk said to his knowledge, there were three people who worked at

Gametek, and he would only see them when they’d come in for about a

half-hour to an hour a day -- just long enough to pick up their orders.

“I had no idea of their operation,” Bohrk said. “The space was rented

to Gametek just as it was to everyone else and there was no reason to be

suspicious because they passed all the mandatory credit checks.”

Fountain Valley police said to date the one employee of Gametek, who

has been interviewed by police, claimed a shipment of PlayStation 2

systems will be arriving on or before Dec. 15.

“Let’s just wait and see if a shipment comes in, and we’ll take it

from there,” Perry said. “But for right now, we are trying to find out

the business practices of this gentleman as to the sales of the

PlayStation 2.”

Authorities are unsure at this point as to whether customers will

receive the video game system or their money back.

FYI BOX

Anyone who has placed such an order with the company is asked to

contact the Fountain Valley Police Department at (714) 593-4485. Or complete a victim notification form at www.fountainvalley.org/gametek.