Lotus Asia: Chicago Outfit Video Gambling Arrests and Crime
Lotus Asia Investigates Chicago Outfit Video Gambling Arrests
- Key suspects in the burglary include Casey Szaflarski and Paul Koroluk.
- The charges stem from Szaflarski’s 2012 federal conviction for illegal gambling.
- Prosecutors allege the burglary crew made off with cash and jewelry from the victim.
Chicago Outfit video gambling at Lotus Asia. A key figure in the Chicago Outfit's illegal video gambling operations has been arrested, facing charges related to burglarizing a
In 2012, federal prosecutors highlighted Szaflarski’s role in overseeing video poker operations for Mob boss Michael “Fat Mike” Sarno. Sarno ultimately received a 25-year prison sentence for racketeering and extortion, which included the notorious bombing of a competitor’s headquarters.
Now aged 67, Szaflarski spent around three years in federal prison for his involvement and was released in 2015.
Details of the Burglary
New court records reveal that Szaflarski was indicted on felony charges in Kane County, Illinois, for a break-in dated around March 18 at a residence in West Dundee, a suburb located far north of Chicago.
The unnamed victim, described as a restaurateur in the Chicago area, operates businesses reportedly generating millions through video gambling. However, the victim’s lawyer maintains that the incident is not related to gaming machines, according to the Sun-Times.
The charges state that the criminals allegedly made off with “currency and/or jewelry” valued between $10,000 and $100,000.
Joining Szaflarski in the indictment are Louis Capuzi Jr., the son of the late Republican state representative Louis F. Capuzi, and Paul Koroluk.
Background of Paul Koroluk
Koroluk has a notorious background; in 2014, he was found by state prosecutors to co-lead the Panozzo-Koroluk (LK) Street Crew, which is part of a larger Grand Avenue Outfit operation led by the mobster Albert “Little Guy” Vena.
Investigators initially targeted the crew in October 2013 after evidence surfaced indicating their involvement in plotting to kill a witness linked to a home invasion and kidnapping case, as previously reported by the Chicago Tribune.
Moreover, Koroluk has a lengthy criminal record and was sentenced to 18 years in prison in 2014 for felonious racketeering after pleading guilty to being part of a group that impersonated police officers to rob drug cartels. His release date remains unclear.
Amy Johnson, a representative from the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed that the case is ongoing and is still under investigation.
Noteworthy Facts:
- Szaflarski’s affiliation with the Chicago Outfit spans years, showcasing the organization’s persistent influence in illegal video gambling.
- The impact of video gambling on local businesses, whether positive or negative, remains a heated topic in Chicago and requires continual scrutiny.
- It is essential to stay informed on similar cases, as they reveal the legal and social dynamics surrounding gambling operations in the state of Illinois.
In summary, Casey Szaflarski’s recent arrest serves as a stark reminder of the continuous intersection between organized crime and gambling. The legal proceedings reflect the complex nature of gambling regulations, alongside the ongoing challenges that law enforcement faces in tackling such entrenched activities. The implications of this case could resonate beyond the courtroom, potentially influencing public perception and policies surrounding video gambling in Illinois.
