Police arrest 8 in mob-linked sports betting operation

Police in suburban New York have arrested eight people in a sports betting operation as investigators crack down on mob-run gambling and loansharking.

The Journal News reports authorities said Thursday that the 10-month investigation focused on illegal high-interest street loans and an Internet off-shore gambling web site.

Investigators seized illegal gambling records, computers and more than $750,000 through warrants in Florida, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Those arrested are accused of collecting bets and pressuring people who borrowed money at interest rates topping 25 percent to make payments.

The suspects were arraigned and released without bail.