Investigators working for the Department of Homeland Security in Baltimore opened an undercover payment process business called Linwood Payment Solutions, allowing undercover agents to gain contact with top managers of gambling operations, negotiating contracts and terms of financial transactions, and facilitating payment data between online gaming firms and banks.

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In Russia, U.S. investigators traveled to the predominantly Muslim province of Dagestan and were in contact with the brothers' parents, hoping to gain more information.

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The ministry said it is in constant contact with the families of those being held, and that everything is being done to gain the release of French hostages.

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