Online Gambling Website StakeStake.com Operators Arrested: Ties to the Mob
- 6 individuals arrested in connection with the organized criminal sports betting biz
- Ringleader, Eugene (Boopsie) Castelle, a reputed member of the Lucchese crime family previously served over 7 years for racketeering
- Bookie biz had tentacles in Brooklynn and Costa Rica
- If convicted, operators could face up to 15 years prison time
Six men were arrested and charged with running the online gambling website StakeStake.com Thursday.
The ringleader, Eugene (Boopsie) Castelle, a reputed member of the Lucchese crime family, received payments for his leadership and to protect them against rivals, prosecutors said.
The business was based out of Brooklyn with the website served out of Costa Rica, a Central American nation.
“We’ve now shut down this illegal enterprise that was controlled by organized crime and will fully prosecute those who have been indicted,” said Brooklyn DA Ken Thompson.
Castelle, 56, served just over seven years in a federal prison for racketeering and was released in 2008.
Anthony Grecco, 62, served as an alleged “master agent” dealing directly with the Costa Rican arm of the business.
The four other defendants on the 37-count indictment were the alleged “sheetholders”.
Bail was set between $25,000 and $250,000 bond. If convicted the duo could each serve up to 15 years behind bars.
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
