New York Fire Department Discovers Illegal Gambling Den

An investigation by the FDNY’s Bureau of Fire Prevention (BFP) into a complaint about illegal lithium-ion battery charging uncovered what is believed to be an illegal gambling operation. 

Fire Prevention Check Discovers Alleged Gambling Den

While inspecting a location on Elizabeth Street in Manhattan, fire officials encountered a range of “dangerous and unlawful conditions,” including gambling machines, counterfeit merchandise, unsafe living arrangements, and hazardous battery charging setups. FDNY Fire Protection Inspectors discovered that the front and rear cellars of both buildings had been illegally converted into sleeping quarters after gaining entry.

Further investigation revealed an alleged gambling operation featuring slot machines, along with a storage area containing counterfeit designer bags and accessories. Numerous lithium-ion batteries were also reportedly found charging throughout the illegally converted cellar space. However, Lithium-ion batteries, similar to those linked to numerous deadly fires across New York City in recent years, were just one of the first indications of a deeper pattern of lawlessness uncovered by inspectors.

In a news release, FDNY commissioner Robert S. Tucker said that, due to the life-threatening conditions discovered, the organization requested assistance from the Department of Buildings (DOB) and the New York City Police Department (NYPD). In response, the DOB issued partial vacate orders for the cellar areas of both buildings, while the NYPD Vice Unit confiscated gambling machines and counterfeit goods. The Bureau of Fire Prevention (BFP) issued two FDNY summonses and two criminal summonses to the addresses at 118 and 120 Elizabeth Street. 

What Else Did FDNY Find?

According to officials, the cellar hallways had also been converted into single-room occupancies, described as being crowded with mattresses, clutter, hot plates, and space heaters. None of the makeshift rooms had secondary exits, and the FDNY characterized the layout of the cellar as “mazelike.” The sleeping quarters were deemed a serious threat to life safety due to the absence of secondary egress routes and the excessive clutter throughout the area.

The organization also stated that the conditions uncovered by Fire Prevention personnel represented a disaster waiting to happen. He emphasized that illegal living arrangements and improper lithium-ion battery charging can create deadly hazards for both occupants and emergency responders. Tucker highlighted the importance of each investigation, noting that this inspection may have directly prevented a tragedy.