From the son of a legendary Mafia capo to a wiseguy poker pro— these are the mobsters charged in the NBA gambling scandal

The recent federal indictment that led to the arrest of 13 mobsters in a historic gambling bust has brought to light some interesting connections to the underworld. Among those arrested were individuals with ties to the Gambino, Bonanno, and Genovese crime families, as well as a notorious figure who was involved in a racial attack in Queens.

One of the most prominent figures caught up in the gambling ring is Angelo Ruggiero Jr, the son of the late Gambino captain Angelo “Quack Quack” Ruggiero Sr. Ruggiero Sr was a close associate of infamous Gambino boss John Gotti, who orchestrated the murder of Gambino leader Paul Castellano in 1985. Ruggiero Jr, now a made man, is accused of receiving proceeds from the rigged poker games on behalf of the Gambino crime family.

Ernest “Ernie” Aiello, a member of the Bonanno crime family, was also arrested in connection with the gambling operation. Aiello, who has a history of loansharking, gambling, and drug dealing, made headlines in 2018 when he expressed concerns about maintaining his ties to the mob while still enjoying his favorite Italian bakery. He is accused of receiving a portion of the criminal proceeds from the rigged poker games on behalf of the Bonanno family.

Lee Fama, a Gambino wiseguy, has a reputation for winning big at the poker table. Despite facing drug charges in 2012, Fama managed to rake in significant winnings at casinos in Vegas and Atlantic City. He is now accused of profiting from the rigged card games on behalf of the Gambino crime family.

Nicholas “Fat Nick” Minucci, a Gambino associate with a violent past, was also implicated in the gambling case. Minucci gained notoriety in 2005 when he was convicted of a hate crime for beating a black teenager with a baseball bat. He is accused of participating in cheating teams during the rigged card games.

Another figure caught up in the bust is Matthew “The Wrestler” Daddino, a Genovese made man and former high school wrestling star. Daddino, described as a rising star in the Genovese family, is accused of receiving cash from the rigged card games on behalf of his crime family.

In total, 13 members and associates of the Bonanno, Gambino, Lucchese, and Genovese crime families were arrested in connection with the gambling and sports betting operation. The indictment sheds light on the intricate web of connections and illegal activities that continue to plague organized crime in the modern era.