Five members and associates of the Lucchese organized crime family have pleaded guilty to racketeering, money laundering, and gambling charges for operating a massive illegal betting scheme in New York City, federal prosecutors announced.
The illegal gambling enterprise reportedly raked in millions of dollars annually, with bets placed by hundreds of individuals every week.
Lucchese Soldier Pleads Guilty, Agrees to $4 Million Forfeiture
Among those who pleaded guilty is Anthony Villani, a 60-year-old Lucchese crime family soldier from Elmsford, New York.
Villani agreed to a plea deal on Thursday requiring him to forfeit $4 million in illegal proceeds, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.
Prosecutors said Villani ran Rhino Sports, an online betting operation that employed Mafia associates as local bookmakers responsible for collecting payments and winnings.
The illegal enterprise, operating since the early 2000s, was primarily based in the Bronx and Westchester County, and handled between 400 and 1,300 bets per week, generating at least $1 million annually.
Prosecutors Highlight Organized Crime’s Role in Gambling
Federal prosecutors emphasized the violent nature of illegal gambling enterprises run by organized crime families, warning that mob protection and enforcement often come with the threat of violence.
“Illegal gambling businesses require enforcement and protection from mob rivals that carry the persistent threat of violence,” U.S. Attorney John Durham said in a statement. “However, the defendants’ luck ran out, and they will be held accountable for their crimes.”
Villani now faces up to 20 years in prison, though a sentencing date has not yet been set. His attorney has not commented on the case.
Four Others Plead Guilty, One Suspect Still at Large
In addition to Villani, four other mob figures have pleaded guilty in recent days to federal charges related to the gambling scheme. Their identities and sentencing details were not immediately available.
A sixth defendant remains at large, and authorities are continuing their search.
This case marks yet another major federal crackdown on organized crime’s longstanding involvement in illegal gambling and money laundering across New York.