FBI arrests 8 accused of illegal World Cup betting in Las Vegas

Gamblers accused of taking illegal World Cup wagers when the operation was raided by FBI agents 

 Eight people from Malaysia, China and Hong Kong have been acccused of operating a temporary illegal gambling ring from Las Vegas that investigators said logged millions of dollars in bets on World Cup soccer games.

Wei Seng Phua, 50, a suspected organised crime member, and the others were accused in a criminal complaint unsealed minutes before their arraignments in US District Court. They are accused of participating in the scheme to take bets over Wi-Fi and DSL lines they had casino employees install in their suites at Caesars Palace.

Phua's lawyer, David Chesnoff, was not immediately available before the hearing for comment.

FBI and Nevada Gaming Control Board agents made the arrests Sunday after raids on Wednesday in three Caesars suites. Agents reported finding a laptop computer logging illegal wagers and other records.

U.S. Attorney Daniel Bogden said the Las Vegas operation began shortly after Phua left the Chinese gambling enclave of Macau, where he had been arrested June 18 and posted bail on similar allegations of illegal wagering on World Cup soccer games.

Phua is from Malaysia. Bogden identified him as a high-ranking member of the 14K Triad, an Asian organized crime group.

The others arrested were identified as Darren Wai Kit Phua, 22; Seng Chen Yong, 56, and Wai Kin Yong, 22, all of Malaysia; Hui Tang, 44, of China; and Yan Zhang, 40, Yung Keung Fan, 46, and Herman Chun Sang Yeung, 36, all of Hong Kong.

Bogden said that if convicted, each could face up to two years in federal prison on an unlawful transmission count and up to five years in prison on an illegal gambling business count, as well as fines on each count of up to $250,000.

The prosecutor said casino officials cooperated in setting up computer equipment in the three rooms but became concerned that it appeared to be a set-up for an illegal gambling operation.