30+ Arrests in Mafia-Linked NBA Gambling Probe

Federal prosecutors and the FBI announced a sweeping, mafia-linked illegal gambling and sports-rigging investigation that has produced more than 30 arrests, including Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and former player/coach Damon Jones. Authorities said two related indictments allege an insider sports-betting conspiracy that exploited confidential NBA information and a nationwide scheme to rig high‑stakes illegal poker games tied to organized‑crime families and sophisticated technology that stole millions. Charged counts include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, illegal gambling, Hobbs Act robbery and extortion, and prosecutors said defendants span multiple jurisdictions with some charged in both cases. The indictment alleges players and coaches provided nonpublic information or altered their on‑court performances to benefit bettors, citing suspicious playtime patterns including Rozier’s limited minutes in a March 23, 2023 game. FBI Director Kash Patel called the arrests "historic," said the schemes involved tens of millions of dollars, warned the probe is ongoing, and Rozier’s lawyer criticized the FBI’s public "perp walk."