Marina Del Rey Man Arrested in FBI Raid on Gambling Ring

A Marina Del Rey Man was arrested this week and charged with racketeering conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs and running an illegal gambling business, the L.A. Daily News reported.

Joseph Barrios, 47, was arrested by the FBI Monday in connection with an allegedly illegal and violent international gambling ring known as Macho Sports.

According to a federal indictment unsealed in San Diego, participants in the ring allegedly took millions of dollars in illegal sports wagers over the past decade, relying on intimidation and violence to collect debts.

Eighteen defendants are named in the indictment, which includes charges such as racketeering conspiracy and running an illegal gambling business.

"This case highlights the connection between illegal Internet gambling operations and the violence associated with this type of racketeering activity," FBI Special Agent in Charge Daphne Hearn said. "Criminal enterprises like Macho Sports and their U.S.-based 'bookmakers' prey on the gambling addictions of their betting customers, wreaking havoc on people's lives and the lives of family members."

- City News Service also contributed to this report.