Police in Milford, Massachusetts, have broken up an illegal gambling network that was using volleyball leagues as a front. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Volleyball and betting
Police in Massachusetts have busted an illegal gambling operation using backyard volleyball tournaments as a front. Milford Police Department officers confirmed that they recently executed a search warrant at a designated property and seized approximately $10,000 in cash.
They find cards and cash on a picnic table, people betting on volleyball games, and an illegal concession stand. The authorities arrested two people, one of whom was the owner of the property. A court hearing is scheduled for Friday for one of the suspects, with the possibility of more people being arrested.
on charges of facilitating illegal gambling at his residence
Luis Loja Caguana is accused of facilitating illegal gambling in his home, while Zoila Castro was selling alcohol without a permit. The former received fines on two occasions during the coronavirus lockdowns for hosting parties.
cause a major disturbance
according to CBS Newsthe police Observe the illegal gambling operation for several monthsYou were first alerted to this problem after neighbors reported significant levels of traffic coming and going from the house. To make matters worse for the suspects, the headquarters of the Milford Police Department is located on the same street.
Speaking to local media, one of the neighbors described how every night about a hundred people gathered at the back of the house which had two full-size volleyball courts with court lights on. Visitors will occupy parking spaces so that in some cases locals can’t get out of their driveways.
A neighbor described the situation on the property as: “Loud noise, beer bottles, screaming and screaming, kids there at night. It’s like a big carnival.”
Teams participating in volleyball competitions often play for thousands of dollars in prize money, according to police, with some even coming from as far away as South Carolina to play.
Online sports betting is legal in Massachusetts, and there are three casinos operating in the state. However, betting is only offered on official sportsbooks approved by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. FanDuel, DraftKings, and WynnBET are all active in the state, among others.
important process
Eventually, a confidential informant told the police what was happening at the gambling den, which led to the formation of a task force four months earlier. They used drones and undercover agents to gather evidence, revealing that the operator of the illegal gambling network took in nearly $500,000.
Authorities estimated that people would bet up to $30,000 on volleyball matches every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.
As many as six other similar tournaments are being held in the region
Milford Police Deputy Chief Robert Tocino commented. He said he was “surprised that things were continuing to this level and that so much money was being passed through the hands.” It is believed that as many as six other similar tournaments are being held in the region, as investigations continue.
