Dix Hills Woman Charged in Mob-Backed Stripper Scam

"A Dix Hills woman is one of 20 defendants who are alleged to have been involved in recruiting European women to illegally enter and work in the United States as strippers," reports the Half Hollow Hills, NY Patch. CNNews has been following the story since it broke last week.

Elena Turubanova, 24, of Dix Hills, is one of the 20 individuals who were arrested and charged with racketeering, extortion, and visa and marriage fraud, among other things.

According to the US Attorney's Office, she and the other defendants sent these women offers via print and online announcements for credible, legitimate employment, such as waitressing -- but then forced them to strip at certain mob-affiliated strip clubs.

The Gambino and Bonnano crime families are allegedly behind the racket, apparently with the help of others, such as Ms. Turubanova, according to the United States Attorney's Office.

Turubanova was released on bail this past week.

Read full story: Dix Hills Woman Charged in Mob Strip Club Scheme - Half Hollow Hills, NY Patch