Minnesota Agencies Thwart Pull-Tab Racketeering Scheme in Sting Operation

The Brief

• Special agents from Minnesota’s Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement (AGE) division stated they worked alongside 20 local law enforcement agencies to thwart a criminal syndicate that was focusing on stealing pull-tab charitable funds throughout Minnesota.
• The investigators stated that this was a 14-month investigation resulting in eight men now being charged with racketeering.

(FOX 9) - Authorities state that extensive cooperation was instrumental in developing a significant racketeering case involving a criminal ring targeting pull-tab charitable funds across Minnesota.

Great exertion to solve a big case

The backstory

Special agents from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement (AGE) division stated that this operation was a result of a 14-month joint effort involving numerous local law enforcement agencies aimed at developing a racketeering case.

I've been part of our division since 2005, and I took up the role of director in 2016. During these years, we haven't encountered a crime of such significance," said AGE Director Carla Cincotta to FOX 9. "The high volume of break-ins along with the series of unlawful acts stood out as uncommon.

Sophisticated pull-tab heist

Timeline

Investigators stated that they managed to link a well-organized group to over 40 cases occurring between March 2023 and February 2024.

The group stole roughly $197,000 – primarily targeting charitable gambling funds. Agents said the group hit dozens of safes at locations including VFWs, bars and restaurants.

Eight men are facing racketeering charges filed in Hennepin County that cover 44 felony second-degree and attempted second-degree burglaries and thefts.

Local perspective

Officials stated that the mission was orchestrated from a house in St. Paul.

"Copious amounts of information were exchanged. They had to collect extensive investigatory data. Much effort was put into organizing this data chronologically and geographically, allowing them to compile it for potential charges," explained Cincotta.

The investigators mentioned that numerous communities were affected outside of the areas that were directly struck.

"It was really the charitable organizations. The good volunteers. The people who are working hard in their communities to raise these funds. Those people were really victimized here," said Cincotta. "We will continue to support our charitable organizations and to seek restitution for them."

The Source

Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement (AGE) division