NY based member of European crime syndicate gets prison

NEW YORK – Authorities in New York say a member of an eastern European organized crime syndicate will spend nearly four years in prison for a high-stakes gambling operation linked to violence that stretched to Russia and Israel.

Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Rohde and other federal officials say Igor Krugly was sentenced on Wednesday on a racketeering conviction.

Eleven other members of the syndicate have been charged in the case. Seven have pleaded guilty to racketeering and related crimes.

Court filings say that in addition to illegal gambling, they committed arson, assault, drug trafficking, extortion and loansharking.

One man who fled owing Krugly tens of thousands of dollars in Brooklyn gambling debts was tracked down in Israel. Less than an hour after his encounter with syndicate members, he arranged repayment.