College sports world was shocked after learning about mutiple arrests related to a multimillion-dollar illegal sports-betting ring allegedly backed by a mafia crime family. 14 people, including two former wrestlers from Rutgers University (Michael Cetta and Nicholas Raimo), were arrested on Thursday in New Jersey.
The investigation into the online sports wagering network was carried out nationally between 2022 and 2024. According to The Post, prosecutors alleged that the illegal betting operation was led by Joseph M. “Little Joe” Perna, a “soldier” in the Lucchese crime family, with his son Joseph R. Perna managing day-to-day activities. As per the indictment, the betting ring processed over $2 million in illegal wagers.
According to ESPN, the NCAA is aware of the development and is already looking into it.
Fourteen people were charged for their roles in a multimillion-dollar illegal sports betting ring that involved college athletes and had links to organized crime, New Jersey authorities announced Thursday.
The NCAA is aware of the charges and is looking into the case, according… pic.twitter.com/DS856VbOYZ
— ESPN (@espn) November 14, 2025
As per a report from PIX11, the athletes allegedly had stakes in outcomes of the games they participated.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, who is handling this case, has an advice for student athletes looking to gamble through their phones.
“Any college student listening,” Platkin said, “yes, if you’re of age, you can gamble on your phones. You should not be gambling in a mob-backed operation. That’s free parental advice.”
Prosecuting Attorney Brings Lucchese Crime Family Into Spotlight Over Latest College Betting Scandal
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin did a press conference on Saturday where he threw shade at Lucchese crime family, who are also reportedly accused of game fixing and poker rigging with the alleged help from NBA Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat player Terry Rozier.
“Organized crime families seem to have a hard time breaking this old habit,” Platkin told reporters. “So we’re gonna break it for them.”
Joseph M. “Little Joe” Perna’s son Joseph R. Perna, who allegedly worked out of Oakland, NJ, Platkin, is accused of having his family members including his brother, stepbrother and cousins, working as subordinates in their illegal betting setup.
Moreover, Little Joe’s wife Kim Zito allegedly received multiple payments from the illegal betting operation while his ex-wife Rosanna Magno is being accused of trying to cover up the operation.
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