Chicago, Sept. 22—Confession has been made by two members of the alleged syndicate of blackmailers, eight of whom are under arrest here, that operations of the swindlers have netted them $1,000,000 within the last year, federal officials announced today. The confessions, it was declared, disclosed that the alleged band numbers at least sixty, a third of whom are said to be women, young, pretty and crafty. A dispute over the division of spoils, it was said, led to the confession. Arrest of a score or more members of the syndicate is expected within a week.
According to officials, the women members flirted with wealthy men, got them into compromising positions and then demanded money on threat of exposure. The men did likewise with wealthy women. Elaborate opium smoking layouts, expensive silk and satin gowns and dresses, costly furs and jewelry were found in the elegantly furnished apartment in which the arrests were made. The operation of the band is declared to have extended from coast to coast. Men and women alike have been victims. Persons of wealth were the objects in every case. Persons are declared to have been fleeced in New York, Chicago, Baltimore and Philadelphia. Only three victims have declared themselves ready to testify in the case, authorities say. Further arrests were expected today.
