A luxurious townhouse in Manhattan has recently gained attention due to its connection with a high-profile gambling scandal. This property was previously rented by rapper Travis Scott and is located at 80 Washington Place in Greenwich Village. Federal authorities revealed that this townhouse served as a venue for illegal poker games run by members of organized crime.
Location and History
Situated just steps from Washington Square Park, 80 Washington Place has a history that dates back over a decade on the real estate market. The six-story residence was bought for approximately $20 million in 2024 by a shell company registered in Armenia.
Connection to NBA Stars and Crime
The townhouse was identified as one of two key locations for rigged poker games allegedly orchestrated by powerful crime families in New York City. Law enforcement indicated that former NBA players were involved in luring high-profile gamblers into these scams. The operation utilized sophisticated cheating methods, including rigged shufflers and X-ray tables.
Incidents and Legal Proceedings
- The criminal scheme reportedly began in 2019 and involved over 30 arrests in a recent federal indictment.
- In the fall of 2023, tensions escalated between rival mob factions, leading to a violent confrontation at the townhouse.
- Despite the serious allegations, Travis Scott and Kylie Jenner were not named in the indictment and reportedly have no knowledge of the illegal activities.
Previous Rentals and Sales
Throughout its time on the market, the townhouse has had rental prices reaching as high as $80,000 per month. It has attracted attention not just for its luxury but also for its notorious past, including sightings of extravagant parties and photo shoots in and around the property.
Cultural Significance
Before its modern history, the townhouse was once home to renowned American composer John Philip Sousa. Sousa is famous for creating the Sousaphone and composing iconic marches such as “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
This unique combination of celebrity ties, criminal activity, and historical significance makes 80 Washington Place a fascinating subject in the landscape of New York real estate and culture.
