Ex-Cops Busted in Internet Gambling Sting

Cops Ran Betting Site from New York Strip Club

Authorities in New York conducted a raid on an illegal internet gambling operation following a 14-month investigation. What makes this raid unique is that the operation was managed by former New York City police officers, including a former detective of the Department's Organized Crime Division. Two ex-cops and 15 others have been arrested as part of the raid.

The police raid was carried out on Wednesday, as a Suffolk couple and 15 others were taken into custody on charges of operating an illegal internet gambling operation. Those arrested were charged with operating an internet sportsbook that managed $30 Million in sports bets each year.

The illegal betting web site, 50ksports.com, was managed out of a strip club and a restaurant in Queens. Those managing the illegal gambling operation utilized betting servers and telephone call centers located in the Central American country of Costa Rica, which has developed into a world hub for internet gambling sites. Gambling web sites located in Costa Rica have a particular focus on sports betting and have been linked to other gambling raids in New York.

The alleged ring leader of the gambling ring that was busted on Wednesday was 56 year-old John "J.K." Kinahan, a former New York City police officer who now manages the City Scapes topless dancing club. Kinahan allegedly ran the entire sports betting operation and served as the chief bookmaker, all from the topless club he managed.

Kinahan's wife, Virginia "Ginger" Kinahan was also taken into custody during the gambling bust. Ginger Kinahan, currently employed as a legal secretary at a local law firm, is co-owner of the City Scapes strip club. Police allege that she managed the sports gambling web site's day-to-day operations in the role of being the bookkeeper.