Federal authorities have unveiled a major investigation involving alleged members of New York City’s infamous “Five Families.” Under the operation named “Royal Flush,” 34 individuals have been indicted in connection with a sophisticated illegal gambling scheme said to have siphoned millions from unsuspecting gamblers over the past six years.
The operation highlights the deep-rooted connections among organized crime families, primarily the Genovese, Gambino, Bonanno, and Lucchese families. FBI’s New York field office’s assistant director, Christopher Raia, stated, “This alleged scheme wreaked havoc across the nation, exploiting the notoriety of some and the wallets of others to finance the Italian crime families.”
Among those implicated are several named defendants with prior criminal records, linking them to the ongoing gambling operations. Ernest Aiello, 46, identified as a member of the Bonanno crime family, has a history of felony convictions, including a prior gambling-related offense. Louis Apicella, 50, an associate of the Gambino family and part of a dedicated “Cheating Team,” has been implicated without a prior criminal history but is noted for having access to firearms and a willingness to resort to violence.
Another defendant, Ammar Awawdeh, 34, is accused of participating in went beyond simple gambling operations, having allegedly committed robbery to acquire equipment for the rigged games. Matthew Daddino, 43, from the Genovese family, stands accused of managing gambling games in Manhattan while other defendants like John Gallo and Thomas Gelardo have also been tied to numerous illegal poker games and extortion activities.
Joseph Lanni, 54, recognized as a captain in the Gambino family, previously pleaded guilty in a racketeering conspiracy. His defense emphasizes he is not alleged to have engaged in the high-tech cheating being charged in the current operation.
Interestingly, the investigation has uncovered organized crime’s evolution, with advanced technology playing a key role in these operations. The use of high-tech gear to rig poker games signifies a more modern approach to illegal gambling, illustrating how these crime families adapt to new opportunities within their networks.
As this investigation unfolds, it provides a window into the persistent challenges facing law enforcement as they combat organized crime. Agents are working to dismantle these intricate operations while ensuring justice for those victimized. The public can remain hopeful that this crackdown could lead to a more secure environment, free from the manipulative practices of these crime families, and restore some semblance of integrity to the gambling community.