FBI links alleged illegal NBA betting scheme to four New York mafia families
FBI director Kash Patel said an investigation into alleged illegal betting and fraud linked the scheme to the Bonanno, Gambino, Genovese and Lucchese families. The operation resulted in 31 arrests, including Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat player Terry Rozier. Authorities said the NBA cooperated with the investigation; the allegations include manipulated poker games, sports betting, money laundering and extortion.
The investigation concerns alleged sports-betting fraud involving professional basketball figures and organised crime networks.