Alleged kingpin of 'Cuban mafia' nabbed
Saturday, March 20, 2004
MIAMI, USA (UPI): Police in Miami have arrested the alleged kingpin of the "Cuban mafia" and two dozen associates on charges of running a numbers operation for 40 years.
Arrested was Jose Miguel Battle Sr., 74, and 24 associates, The Miami Herald reported Friday.
Battle was arrested Thursday in the produce section of his neighborhood supermarket.
The 25 people were charged in a federal racketeering indictment for alleged illegal bookmaking, drug trafficking and money laundering.
The indictment also included charges of murder, arson and witness intimidation.
"These are the top 25 guys," said Miami-Dade County Police Director Carlos Alvarez. "We've dismantled this entire organization."
Federal prosecutors said the organization, known as "the corporation," has made $1.5 billion since it began in 1964.
Federal prosecutors said they will try to recover the entire amount.
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