US EditionX-ray tables, hidden cameras: The tech in rigged poker games linked to the mob and the NBA
The scheme used advanced wireless tech and rigged shufflers to cheat wealthy players out of at least $7 million, involving former NBA stars and mafia crime families.
- A high-stakes poker cheating scheme involving Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones was uncovered, with federal charges against 31 defendants for cheating victims out of at least $7 million since 2019.
- The scheme allegedly utilized high-tech devices and threats for debt collection, creating a financial pipeline for organized crime.
- FBI Director Kash Patel described the fraud as 'mind-boggling,' stating it enabled organized crime to fund their operations.
- The NBA has placed both Billups and Jones on immediate leave as they face serious charges and the league reviews the indictments.
85 Articles
85 Articles
Poker Indictment Puts Spotlight on $10,000 Card Shufflers
The rigged-poker-game indictment unveiled on Thursday reads like a Hollywood heist film, featuring NBA stars and famous Mafia crime families. It also involves the high-tech hacking of casino-quality card shuffling machines.
The FBI dismantled an organized crime ring that "showcased" famous athletes - Over 30 arrests, involvement of Cosa Nostra family members - Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups is involved, former NBAer Damon Jones is also accused
How crooks rigged high-stakes poker games with the mob and NBA pros
The indictments announced overnight of a poker cheating ring involving NBA figures and backed by the mafia emphasised their alleged high-tech cheating methods.But the con tactics they described are as old as poker itself, familiar from heist movies and James Bond films.Shady shuffles came not from quick-handed card sharks, but tricked-out machines. Instead of mirrors or guys in the corner peeking over shoulders, there were X-ray tables and high-…
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