Charges Against Florida Mafia Crew Include Insurance Fraud, Arson

Eleven men have been charged with racketeering conspiracy for their roles in an alleged Florida crew of New York’s Bonanno Mafia family.

A grand jury indictment unsealed Thursday charges them with numerous crimes, including extortion, insurance fraud, Medicare fraud, arson, manufacturing fraudulent checks, sale of stolen goods, money laundering and murder conspiracy.

Nine of those charged made initial appearances Thursday in Fort Lauderdale federal court. It wasn’t immediately clear whether the men had attorneys.

The crew was infiltrated by an undercover FBI agent posing as a corrupt businessman with access to crooked bankers and foreign bank accounts.

The racketeering charge carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence.