$500 Million Dollar Gambling Ring Busted

Former Assemblyman Raul Garcia along with many others was arrested in New Jersey on four charges related to his alleged role promoting gambling and collecting bets. State and local law enforcement officials arrested people all over New Jersey at the end of March executing search warrants, freezing money, and arresting suspects. The operation that was under investigation was to have handled over $500 million in bets in just a few months time.

Monmouth County Prosecutor Luis Valentin said the Internet part of the operation was based out of a "wireroom" in Costa Rica. Bettors placed their wagers on a web site. The operation was technically in Costa Rica but many employees in New Jersey were used to take bets and make collections. No individuals that actually placed bets were charged.

"Illegal gambling is a quality-of-life crime that may seem harmless, but is often perpetrated by organized and sometimes violent, criminal enterprises," State Police Lt. Col. Gayle Cameron said in a press release. "This racketeering operation had no government oversight and paid no taxes. It took from society without returning anything."

Three men were charged with financial facilitation of criminal activity. Over $2 million in cash in addition to many firearms and many vehicles were seized in the raids. Another $300,000 from bank accounts was also seized.

According to a press release, 47 people were arrested on March 28 and arrest warrants were filed against 12 others.

Valentin said that there is more work to be done. "We're not done by any stretch," he said.