Coronavirus: NY man arrested for operating gambling speakeasy

Officers swoop on illegal drinking and gambling den leading to the arrest of a 56-year-old man.

US.- New York City police have arrested a man who was allegedly found to be operating a drinking and gambling speakeasy during the Coronavirus lockdown.

Police found 12 people inside the hidden Brooklyn bar when they made their arrest on Saturday. They were said to be drinking and gambling, while the business did not have a liquor license.

56-year old Vasil Pando is charged with violating Mayor Bill de Blasio’s lockdown order, which has closed nonessential businesses and is limiting bars and restaurants to takeout and delivery only.

He is also facing other multiple charges including the illegal sale of alcohol, promoting gambling, criminal nuisance and reckless endangerment.

New York City is the epicentre of the Coronavirus in the US, where over 1,200 people have been reported to have died with over 66,000 cases in total according to the New York Times.