In a shocking reveal, a high-stakes poker fraud scheme has come to light, reportedly run by organized crime families and involving notable basketball figures. Prosecutors allege that the scam targeted wealthy gamblers at underground poker games while employing advanced technology to achieve a deceitful edge.
The scandal involved sophisticated equipment like X-ray tables that read cards, secret cameras, and special glasses that allowed conspirators to discern players' hands. This intricate operation reportedly siphoned more than $7 million (£5.25 million) from victims, with individual losses reaching as high as $1.8 million.
The operation, described by authorities as a script straight out of a Hollywood thriller, resulted in over 30 arrests, including members of various organized crime families and NBA personalities like Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones.
The federal investigation revealed that the scheme was structured to ensure that every player at the table, from the dealers to the participants, was complicit, with the unwitting players often referred to as 'fishes'. These victims believed they had a fair chance of winning, only to find themselves caught in an elaborate trap.
According to authorities, the scheme dates back to 2019, where it strategically lured players into illegal poker games under the auspices of celebrity involvement. Prosecutors have noted that this gambling scheme funded the operations of notorious mafia families, demonstrating the intersection of sports, crime, and advanced technology.
With such intricate setups involving wireless communication to alert players in on the scam, and pre-marked cards, law enforcement officials detailed how covert signals and coordinated efforts ensured the house always won.
This comprehensive fraud scheme stands as a stark reminder of the lengths to which organized crime will go to exploit individuals, as well as the potential pitfalls in the high-stakes environment of underground gambling.
