Five members and associates of the Mafia have admitted to charges of racketeering, money laundering, and illegal gambling, which they orchestrated in New York City, as stated by law enforcement officials.
The individuals involved are linked to the Lucchese crime family and have acknowledged their role in a substantial betting operation that allegedly generated millions of dollars in illegal earnings each year.
One of the defendants, Anthony Villani, who is affiliated with the Lucchese family as a soldier, accepted a plea agreement on Thursday. As part of this deal, he will forfeit $4 million, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Eastern District of New York.
According to prosecutors, Villani, a 60-year-old resident from Elmsford, has been operating an online business named Rhino Sports since the early 2000s. This enterprise involved employing other Mafia members as local bookmakers responsible for managing bets and payouts.
The illegal betting network was said to be primarily based in the Bronx and nearby Westchester County, attracting between 400 to 1,300 gamblers weekly and bringing in at least $1 million on an annual basis.
“Illegal gambling operations necessitate means of enforcement and the assurance of protection against competing mobsters who pose a constant risk of violence,” remarked John Durham, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York. “Yet, the defendants’ fortune has run out, and through the diligent efforts of our prosecutorial and investigative teams, they will face consequences for their actions and ultimately repay their debt to the community.”
Prosecutors have indicated that Villani could face a maximum sentence of 20 years behind bars if he is convicted. His attorney has not yet provided a response to requests for comments regarding the case.
In addition to Villani, four other individuals have also pleaded guilty in recent days concerning the illicit gambling operation, while a sixth individual associated with the case remains unaccounted for.
