KC Reporter

Nine individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their alleged roles in an illegal gambling conspiracy at six locations in southwest Missouri. The indictment includes multiple charges against each defendant in a 72-count document.

The defendants, hailing from various states including Washington, Georgia, New York, Colorado, and Arkansas, were charged on May 14, 2025. The indictment was unsealed after several arrests and before the arraignments of certain defendants on July 23 and 24, 2025.

Acting United States Attorney Jeff Ray stated that "illegal gambling operations affect the citizens of the neighborhoods and communities where they are located as well as the local economy." Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams highlighted that the investigation evolved into a large multi-jurisdictional case due to strong partnerships with federal agencies.

Mark Zito from ICE Homeland Security Investigations emphasized that this was not a low-level scheme but an organized network worth millions. He noted their success was due to "precise coordination" and "relentless investigation."

The nine defendants face charges related to wire fraud conspiracy, operating illegal gambling businesses from July 1, 2022, to May 13, 2025, and money laundering. They allegedly operated under false pretenses using names like Big Win Arcade and Vegas City Arcade. They hired local employees for these establishments which violated both state and federal laws.

WhatsApp group chats among some defendants detailed their operation of these arcades between May 31, 2023, and March 11, 2024. Proceeds from these activities were reportedly laundered through personal bank accounts within the U.S. and India amounting to over $9.5 million.

The case results from an extensive investigation by Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) targeting high-level criminal organizations threatening the U.S., utilizing a prosecutor-led approach.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark is prosecuting this case with support from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Oliver prior to his retirement in June this year. Several law enforcement agencies contributed to the investigation including Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America aiming to eliminate transnational criminal organizations and protect communities across the nation.