Congressman Hamadeh Commends Efforts of FBI Director Patel Amidst NBA Sports Betting Scandal

WASHINGTON D.C. – On Thursday, Congressman Abe Hamadeh commended FBI Director Kash Patel for the federal investigation into the La Cosa Nostra crime families and charges brought against Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former NBA guard and coach Damon Jones.

The FBI’s Operation Zhen Diagram uncovered a “nationwide gambling ring allegedly involving members of the La Cosa Nostra crime families who are accused of defrauding unwitting victims of millions of dollars," according to various media reports.

“Today the FBI successfully dismantled a multi-million-dollar gambling ring tied to the notorious La Cosa Nostra, as well as arrested current and former NBA coaches and players, exposing a long-standing scheme to rig sports betting on the NBA stage,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. 

“This type of scandal is extremely disquieting for a number of reasons when you consider the victims of these egregious crimes, and the damage done to the league and its beloved athletes, who are admired by so many Americans,” stated Congressman Hamadeh, a former Maricopa County prosecutor. “I strongly condemn any and all behavior related to organized crime and fraud. Funding dangerous criminal activity, illegally profiting off rigged systems, and cheating our fellow Americans cannot be tolerated, and those who engaged in this illicit activity should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“I applaud FBI Director Kash Patel and his team for their exceptional and diligent work in this ongoing investigation. As the FBI remains focused on combatting these despicable crimes, their efforts remind us that we must remain vigilant in fighting against corruption in all forms,” concluded Congressman Hamadeh.