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Report: Thomas Vanek involved in money laundering scandal

Wild Vanek Hockey

Thomas Vanek poses after he signed a three-year deal to play with the Minnesota Wild, Tuesday, July 1, 2014 in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/The Star Tribune, Richard Tsong-Taatarii) MANDATORY CREDIT; ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS OUT; MAGS OUT; TWIN CITIES TV OUT

AP

According to a report in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, current Minnesota Wild forward Thomas Vanek was allegedly involved in a money-laundering scheme.

The report alleges that while a member of the Islanders, Vanek endorsed a paycheck in the amount of $230,000 to Mark Ruff to cover a gambling debt.

On Thursday, Ruff pleaded guilty in federal court to illegal gambling and money laundering. Ruff admitted to helping his brother, Joseph Ruff, and Paul Borrelli manage a gambling operation.

Local attorney James Wolford did not confirm Vanek’s involvement; however, Vanek was linked to a Rochester, NY gambling investigation during the summer.

Vanek spent nine seasons in the Buffalo Sabres organization. Buffalo’s American Hockey League affiliate is the Rochester Americans - where Vanek turned pro during the 2004-05 season.

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