How mobsters and NBA stars allegedly teamed up in ‘mind-boggling fraud scheme’

International

IT COULD have been the plot of an Ocean’s Eleven sequel — except this time, the casino wasn’t in Hollywood but in real life.

Federal prosecutors say mafia-linked gamblers used X-ray tables, hidden cameras, and even smart contact lenses to swindle celebrities, athletes, and millionaires out of millions in rigged poker games.

Authorities allege the scheme employed X-ray card tables, rigged shuffling machines, chip-tray analyzers, and eyewear capable of reading marked cards. The devices helped members of organized crime families cheat players out of more than $7 million in fixed poker games across several U.S. cities.

Among those arrested were Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and former NBA player Damon Jones, accused of helping lure wealthy participants into the games.

More than 30 people, including members of the Bonanno, Gambino, Lucchese, and Genovese crime families, were charged after a sweeping federal investigation.

In a BBC report, FBI Director Kash Patel called it a “mind-boggling fraud scheme that cheated victims in New York, Miami, Las Vegas and other U.S. cities.”

Prosecutors say the operation began in 2019, disguised as exclusive, high-stakes poker events.

Wealthy individuals were invited to play alongside celebrities, who were allegedly used to attract “fishes” — unsuspecting opponents in games where nothing was left to chance.

Investigators say poker tables were fitted with X-ray sensors that read face-down cards, while hidden cameras relayed information to off-site operators.

Shuffling machines and chip analyzers transmitted real-time data to a designated insider at the table, known as a “quarterback,” who used small gestures to signal which conspirator held the winning hand.

Messages recovered by authorities indicate that players sometimes lost rounds intentionally to maintain the illusion of fairness.

Each game allegedly cost victims tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. The proceeds were laundered through cryptocurrency, cash exchanges, and shell companies, with a share sent to organized crime families to fund other ventures.

FBI Assistant Director Christopher Raia said the scheme exploited fame and wealth to bankroll Italian crime networks.

Billups was arrested in Portland and placed on leave by the Trail Blazers, who said they were cooperating with investigators. His lawyer, Chris Heywood, said the coach maintains his integrity and will contest the allegations.

Jones faces two counts each of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy.(MyTVCebu)