NEW YORK (AP) — The acting boss of the Gambino family and at least 30 other mob figures were arrested after an undercover FBI agent posing as a wiseguy infiltrated the Mafia with an act so convincing he was considered for membership, authorities said Wednesday.
Among those arrested was Arnold "Zeke" Squitieri, who allegedly took over as acting Gambino boss after Peter Gotti was convicted last year. Also facing racketeering charges is reputed underboss Anthony "The Genius" Megale.
Prosecutors said Squitieri, Megale and other defendants made millions of dollars through extortion, loansharking, illegal gambling and other crimes during the past decade. Some of the crimes — which included the shakedown of a radio station and a beating at Bloomingdale's — were plotted at a nursing home, court papers said.