FBI Details Massive Takedown of Illegal Gambling Schemes Linked to NBA and Mafia

Nationwide Takedown of Illegal Gambling Operations

• FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher Rehea announced a massive nationwide takedown involving two indictments and 34 defendants.
• These defendants are allegedly involved in two separate illegal poker and sports betting schemes where the odds were rigged in their favor.

Mafia Involvement and Financial Pipeline

• Among the defendants are 13 members and associates of the Bonanno, Gambino, and Genovese crime families, including captains and soldiers.
• The alleged illegal gambling operation defrauded victims of tens of millions of dollars.
• This operation created a financial pipeline for La Cosa Nostra to fund and facilitate organized criminal activity.

NBA Players and Coaches Implicated

• Current and former NBA coaches and players are also implicated in the schemes, including Chanty Bilips, Damon Jones, and Terry Roier.
• Victims were lured by the prospect of playing alongside well-known athletes and coaches, only to be unknowingly deceived through rigged shuffling machines and fixed odds.

FBI's Commitment to Combating Organized Crime

• The FBI has not and will not cease its focus on Italian organized crime in New York, specifically the LCN and the five families.
• The FBI is committed to eradicating all unlawful revenue streams fueling criminal activity, regardless of the organized crime group (Italian, Asian, Eurasian).
• This case is considered the tip of the iceberg, with ongoing investigations by the LCN squad and the Eastern District of New York.