I know I dont understand it.

it used to be the opposite.

I first noticed it in Buffalo

You had all guys that were known associates of the Buffalo LCN,
Getting indicted together for a customary LCN, racket however, nothing about LCN.

On the other hand you have cases that are clearly personal and have nothing to do with LCN and they brand it LCN

Whatever gives the feds an advantage at the time is my guess