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23 suspected mobsters were expected to be arraigned in Federal Court in Newark Thursday. Ten were arrested and another 13 were told to surrender, and FBI spokesman said.Among those charged are Andrew Merola of Toms River who prosecutors said allegedly ran the New Jersey crew of the Gambino crime family. Also arrested was Ralph Cicalese of Roseland who helped run gambling operations. Investigators said the gambling enterprise included a multi-million dollar Internet gambling site.
They crew is also accused of ripping off major retailers like Home Depot, Best Buy and Circuit City by using bogus bar code labels to get high priced electronics and other merchandise at greatly reduced prices. The FBI said two of the reputed mobsters got jobs inside Lowes to help pull off the scam.
This is the second major FBI raid targeting the Gambino crime family this year. In February, WNBC.com first reported more than 60 reputed mobsters were arrested in Brooklyn and charged on counts ranging from racketeering to murder.
In this New Jersey case, investigators said many of the suspects will face extortion, racketeering, conspiracy and gambling counts. Investigators have not yet named those arrested. An FBI spokesman said a press conference is expected later this morning to explain the charges.Investigators said the suspects also ripped off New Jersey construction firms in part by demanding payoffs and kickbacks as well as no-show jobs. The FBI said the suspects also threatened and shook down food vending trucks outside construction sites demanding kickbacks and payoffs in order to sell coffee and food to construction workers. The Prudential parking garage construction site in Newark was one site that was allegedly targeted.Several reputed associates of the Genovese and Luchese crime families were also charged Among the 23 suspects: Charles "Buddy Musk" Muccigrosso of Newark, John Tizio of West Orange, Michael Urgol of Clifton, John Manzella of West Orange, Carmine Maimone of Brooklyn.
The FBI investigation continued for two-years, uncovering crimes that dated back to 2002. The probe relied on court ordered wiretaps and surveillances.
The Gambino crime family is perhaps best known for its one-time boss, the late John Gotti. Investigators have said the criminal group maintains influence in various industries including trucking and construction.
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3 comments:
i wonder does john gotti jr have any hand in these arrest.he did secretly talk to the feds cant were two hats this crew in queens knows hes a rat.
You cant believe everything you read! Some of these guys were arrested for just knowing the other ones. Guilt by association and the feds railroaded a lot of them. Maybe the feds should spend more time busting corrupt politicians instead of hardworking guys who actually give to their communties.
you "report" as if you have knowledge, but two of the names are wrong......come on.
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