Ex-detective accused of running prostitution, gambling rings

NEW YORK (AP) — A retired New York Police Department vice detective and his wife have been indicted on charges they ran a prostitution ring and gambling operation with the aid of seven current police officers and dozens of civilians.

Prosecutors on Thursday said 51-year-old Ludwig Paz operated brothels in Queens, Brooklyn and Nassau Counties and numerous gambling rooms set up inside beauty parlors and other businesses.

They say the retired detective used his inside knowledge of NYPD vice procedures to thwart detection. Information on his lawyer wasn't immediately available

The officers, whose arrests were announced Wednesday, are accused of helping Paz operate the illicit businesses. Prosecutors say one of the officers provided confidential police information in exchange for discounted sex.

The defendants face various charges including enterprise corruption, official misconduct and promoting prostitution.