FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Eight people have been arrested on racketeering and other charges in a major South Florida gambling operation that authorities say has connections to organized crime.
The Broward Sheriff's Office says the recent arrests resulted from a six-month undercover operation. Investigators also seized $1.2 million in cash.
Authorities say the group was involved in offshore sports betting as well as bookmaking in Broward and Palm Beach counties. Those arrested also apparently have ties to organized crime families in New York and Boston.
Charges include racketeering, money laundering, bookmaking and several conspiracy charges. Investigators say wiretaps and surveillance provided key evidence, as well as undercover officers who were able to penetrate the organization.
