New York Mafia Members Admit to Operating an Underground Gambling Ring
Vibe Check: Let's talk about a recent bust in the Big Apple, shall we?
NYC Mobsters Busted for Running an Illicit Gambling Racket
New York City — Five gangsters tied to the notorious Lucchese organized crime family have confessed to running an extensive illegal gambling operation, raking in millions of dollars annually, according to authorities.
The arrests were made following a thorough investigation led by the FBI and local law enforcement. The Lucchese family members, including one named Anthony "Rhino" Villani, agreed to a plea deal, which involves forfeiting $4 million.
Since the early 2000s, Villani, a 60-year-old resident of Elmsford, is said to have run an online sports betting business, Rhino Sports. He had Mafia associates working as local bookmakers, safeguarding and settling bets for clients.
The operation mainly flourished in the Bronx and Westchester County, flaunting roughly 400 to 1,300 clients each week and earning at least $1 million annually.
John Durham, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, stated, "Illegal gambling businesses need regulation and protection from Mafia rivals, as they pose a constant threat of violence. However, the defendants' luck ran out, and thanks to the relentless efforts of the investigation team, they'll face justice for their deeds and pay their dues to society."
Villani could potentially face up to 20 years imprisonment if found guilty. His lawyer remains unavailable for comment as of today.
Four other Lucchese associates have admitted to participating in the scheme, while one remains at large. The Lucchese family, one of the five major Mafia families dominating organized crime in New York City, has gained infamy for their involvement in various criminal activities, including illegal gambling.
While specific current members of the Lucchese family active in this particular gambling operation remain unnamed, their connection to the family and the criminal activity is undeniable. The Lucchese family has a rich history, dating back to the 1920s, with notable figures like Gaetano "Tommy" Reina, Tommy Gagliano, Thomas "Tommy" Lucchese, and Anthony "Tony Ducks" Corallo at the helm[1][2][3].
Sports betting was a significant part of the illicit gambling racket run by the Lucchese organized crime family, with Anthony "Rhino" Villani managing an online sports betting business named Rhino Sports since the early 2000s. This operation mainly flourished in the Bronx and Westchester County, earning at least $1 million annually.
