"The operation carried out October 23 by the FBI, involving NBA players and several mafia families, could well have been lifted from this acclaimed piece of film making. In total, the FBI has arrested 37 individuals connected to the fraud ring. With the alleged involvement of three La Cosa Nostra crime families, an NBA head coach and Hall of Famer, as well as other current and former professional athletes, the investigative work that culminated with this morning's operation are reminiscent of a Hollywood movie."
"But this was not luck, and it was not theatrics, stated Ricky J. Patel, New York Special Agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), during the press conference to explain the details of the case that has ended with the arrest of Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, along with over 30 others. In fact, the FBI yesterday carried out two operations regarding the NBA and fraudulent activity."
"The strongest suggestion that there is a link to the mafia is based on the organization of rigged poker games in locations such as New York, East Hampton and Miami, with organized crime pocketing millions of dollars. This morning, 31 defendants were arrested in 11 states, including members and associates of the Bonanno, Gambino, and Genovese organized crime families of La Cosa Nostra (LCN); Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball A"
Federal agents executed coordinated operations on October 23 that led to the arrest of over 30 individuals tied to a multi-state fraud ring linked to organized crime. The investigation connected members and associates of the Bonanno, Gambino, and Genovese La Cosa Nostra families to rigged high-stakes poker games and illegal sports betting. Arrests included NBA head coach Chauncey Billups and player Terry Rozier. Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Ricky J. Patel said the enforcement actions resulted from a four-year probe spanning 11 states. Authorities allege organized crime pocketed millions by using NBA players and figures to attract victims.
Read at english.elpais.com
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