New Jersey enforcement shuts down illegal online sports betting ring

A major online sport betting ring with associates in northern New Jersey and New York was shuttered Friday in a swoop by enforcement officials, according to an Associated Press news agency report.

29 individuals have been arrested in the enforcement drive, Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli told the news agency.

Molinelli revealed that the gambling ring generated around $3 million in profits over a twelve month period, providing wagering on a variety of sports through websites that included Bet Eagle.com, 119 Green.net, Bet Ritz.com, Play Here 247.com, The Wager Place.com and Costa Rica-based BetCRIS.com.

The interstate investigation began in February this year and culminated in a police drive that included the execution of 42 search warrants in 8 counties across New Jersey and New York, resulting in the seizure of almost a million dollars in cash and the confiscation of two vehicles.

Prosecutors have named an elderly group of principal defendants on illicit gambling, money laundering and racketeering charges that includes Christine Larva (71), James Roberts (62), Gary Latawiec (76), Patrick Caporizzo (65) and Anthony Pintabona (72).

Judge Liliana S. DeAvila-Silebi subsequently set bail amounts ranging between $500,000 and $1 million.