Alleged Mobsters Charged in Rigged Poker Game Scheme Revealed

The recent federal investigation named “Operation Royal Flush” has brought to light a sweeping illegal gambling operation involving members of New York City’s organized crime families. The announcement, made by federal officials, outlines 34 defendants accused of participating in a high-tech poker rigging scheme that deceived gamblers and generated millions over six years.

Overview of the Case

According to Christopher Raia, assistant director of the FBI’s New York field office, this illegal operation exploited the notoriety of Mafia members to finance various crime families. The charges specifically tie at least a dozen individuals to the infamous Genovese, Gambino, Bonanno, and Lucchese crime families.

Key Alleged Members Involved

Highlighted below are some of the key defendants involved in the case:

• Ernest Aiello (46): Alleged member of the Bonanno family with a history of felony convictions. Aiello is accused of requiring payments from poker game organizers in Manhattan.
• Louis Apicella (50): An associate of the Gambino family involved in creating and running poker games. He is noted for having access to firearms and a willingness to use violence.
• Ammar Awawdeh (34): Known as “Flapper Poker,” he is linked to the Gambino family and is accused of planning a robbery for a rigged shuffling machine.
• Matthew Daddino (43): A Genovese family member managing a poker game and accused of profiting from illegal gambling.
• Lee Fama (57): Member of the Gambino family with multiple felony convictions, who also received money from these games.
• John Gallo (53): Associated with the Gambino family, he allegedly organized poker games and profited from the scheme.
• Thomas Gelardo (42): An associate of the Bonanno family with previous convictions, accused of extorting individuals for gambling debts.
• Joseph Lanni (54): Alleged captain of the Gambino family who has multiple felony convictions related to gambling.
• Nicholas Minucci (39): Member of the Gambino family, accused of participating in a robbery linked to the poker operation.
• Anthony Ruggiero Jr. (53): A Gambino family member with a lengthy criminal history, including witness tampering.
• Seth Trustman (43): The sole Lucchese family member named in the indictment, accused of organizing illegal poker games and extortion.
• Julius Ziliani (54): Another Bonanno family member accused of extorting funds from gambling debts.

Implications of the Investigation

This federal case demonstrates the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating organized crime and illegal gambling in New York City. The investigation reveals a network that not only organized poker games but also employed intimidation and extortion to enforce repayment and protect their illicit operations.

As the legal proceedings unfold, these defendants will face serious allegations, and many have already indicated their intentions to contest the charges. The outcomes will have significant implications for the future of organized crime in the region.