Manhattan Cops Hook 'Uptown Madam'

An uptown madam and mom of four is behind bars after earning millions running a tony brothel out of an Upper East Side apartment, according to Manhattan prosecutors. Anna Gristina, 44, was busted after investigators amassed up to 100 hours of audio and video tape as they staked out the operation. Gristina boasted of a high-powered, international clientele, and claimed to have New York City cops on the take to tip her off about any pending investigations, reports the New York Daily News.

Gristina "has business contacts worldwide as she has admitted in tape recordings, and claimed to have made millions over the 15 years she has been in business as a madam,” said Assistant District Attorney Charles Linehan. Neighbors say Gristina's apartment saw a steady stream of women, usually of Eastern European descent, and men in business suits arriving and leaving in black livery cars. “I see a lot of young women going in and out—not beautiful, but fashionable," said one. Gristina was busted as she met with a business partner—who worked at Morgan Stanley—to discuss expanding her business, said officials. She is being held at Riker's Island in lieu of $2 million bail. (More Manhattan stories.)