Suspects in mob sweep led to arraignments Major mob bust nets 22, including 2 Island business owners. Alleged Gambino capo Carmine Scianda, 57, of Eltingville, who co-owns three popular Top Tomato stores with his family, ran the operation which loaned victims money at exorbitant rates, prosecutors charge. The cash allegedly was fronted by Benedetto (Benny) Casale of Todt Hill, owner of Bulls Head-based Casale Tile.
Victims were threatened with violence if they didn't pay, said authorities.
The pair were among 22 people arrested, including 11 borough residents, for a series of wide-ranging schemes that also included a reputed Luchese crime family loan-sharking and bookmaking operation run out of the Night Gallery, a New Dorp bar.
Click here for a press release from Cuomo's office detailing the charges.
Here is video of the key suspects being led to their arraignment this morning.
Suspects in mob sweep led to arraignments http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/11/22_arrested_in_mob_sweep_on_st.html
