FBI Director Kash Patel says this is just the beginning.
Following the arrest of Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, Patel said the FBI is dismantling a massive illegal gambling empire tied to La Cosa Nostra and major crime families – and it reaches deep into professional basketball.
"If you break the law, we're coming for you," Patel told Fox News’ Laura Ingraham.
According to federal authorities, more than 30 individuals were arrested in 11 states, facing charges that include wire fraud, extortion, money laundering and rigged gambling operations. Officials say the scheme involved tens of millions of dollars stolen from victims as mafia-connected operatives allegedly used NBA insiders to manipulate game outcomes and proposition bets.
Patel said this had nothing to do with legal sports betting and everything to do with criminal infiltration.
"These individuals got in bed with La Cosa Nostra… to rig games and poker tables just so they could make a few extra bucks," he said.
Investigators allege that players were even instructed to alter their on-court performance to trigger payouts for the crime ring. Cheating devices were reportedly used during poker games, and proceeds were laundered through cryptocurrency.
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella issued a stark warning:
“Your winning streak has ended. Your luck has run out.”
The NBA placed both Billups and Rozier on immediate leave, calling the allegations “serious” and insisting league integrity is the top priority.
When ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith suggested the investigation could be politically motivated, Patel fired back, calling it “the single dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”
Patel made it clear: more arrests are coming.
“We’re going to follow the money. This is only the start.”