FBI Director Kash Patel announced that the “nationwide takedown” of an illegal gambling and money-laundering network involving NBA figures and organized crime families is “just the start.”
In a statement, Patel warned that the FBI is launching an expanded federal crackdown on corruption in professional sports.
The sweeping sting led to the arrests of Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, among more than 30 suspects across 11 states.
Officials described the illegal operation as a sprawling criminal enterprise tied to New York’s La Cosa Nostra and Gambino crime families.
“If you break the law, we’re coming for you,” Patel told Fox News host Laura Ingraham during an interview.
FBI: NBA Figures Tied to Mafia-Backed Gambling Empire
Patel said the probe uncovered a pattern of fraud, extortion, and wire fraud conducted under the protection of the Mafia.
Members of the crime group are accused of rigging poker and basketball games, laundering money through cryptocurrency, and using cheating devices at high-stakes tables.
“It has nothing to do with legal gambling and everything to do with those in positions of power in places like the NBA getting in bed with La Cosa Nostra,” Patel said.
“They committed acts of extortion, fraud, money-laundering, wire fraud, and so many other crimes.”
According to Patel, professional athletes and coaches allegedly manipulated games to meet betting goals, with one scheme using scanners hidden at poker tables and even orchestrating in-game actions for profit.
“They literally had professional athletes walk off the court so their proposition bets could be met,” Patel said.
“Your Winning Streak Has Ended,” Prosecutor Warns
At a press conference in New York, U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella for the Eastern District of New York declared the operation a decisive victory against organized crime.
“Your winning streak has ended,” Nocella said.
“Your luck has run out.
“Violating the law is a losing proposition — and you can bet on that.”
Officials say the criminal network stole tens of millions of dollars through rigged wagers and extortion, operating a sophisticated underground operation that blurred the line between professional sports and organized crime.
NBA Responds: “Integrity of Our Game Is Our Top Priority”
Following the arrests, the NBA announced both Billups and Rozier were placed on immediate leave pending the outcome of the federal investigation.
“We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority,” the league said in a statement.
Sports Commentator Draws Fire
ESPN host Stephen A. Smith weighed in, calling the arrests “the latest nugget of evidence” in a broader pattern of scandals but questioning the political climate surrounding Patel’s leadership.
Patel swiftly dismissed Smith’s comments, saying they were “the single dumbest thing I’ve ever heard out of anyone in modern history.”
Patel: “Follow the Money”
The FBI chief emphasized that the bureau’s work is far from over and that the operation marks only the first phase of a broader crackdown on criminal gambling networks.
“We are going to continue to work this investigation and those that have been arrested today to make sure that illegal gambling empires embedded with the La Cosa Nostra are brought down — whether they’re in the NBA or anywhere else,” Patel said.
Federal officials said more arrests are expected as the Justice Department continues to trace financial transactions connected to the illegal gambling ring and its ties to organized crime.
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