In a shocking revelation, an undercover operation has unveiled a sophisticated poker scheme that has allegedly defrauded players of millions of dollars. High-profile individuals, including NBA players, fell victim to an intricate plot reminiscent of an Ocean's Eleven movie.
Victims sat at Texas Hold 'Em tables, unaware they were targeted by an organized crime syndicate. With tools including X-ray tables and hidden cameras, it was nearly impossible for them to win, resulting in documented losses ranging from $1,800,000 for a single player to total losses exceeding $7 million.
The operation was dismantled in a wide-reaching federal investigation resulting in 30 arrests, implicating members of the La Cosa Nostra as well as notable sports figures like Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones.
The scheme began as early as 2019 and involved sophisticated technology aimed at deceiving players. An X-ray table could read cards face down, while pre-marked cards allowed those equipped with high-tech sunglasses or contact lenses to gain an unfair advantage. According to prosecutors, every player involved was part of the scheme, including dealers and even the chips and cards used in the games.
Information was passed to an 'operator' who coordinated signals to the conspirators at the table, turning the games into elaborate traps to ensnare unwitting players. The FBI described the operation as a 'mind-boggling' fraud that took advantage of the wealthy and famous across several major cities, including New York and Las Vegas.
As the investigation unfolds, the impact of the fraudulent activities continues to raise questions about transparency and ethics in both sports and gambling. Billups and Jones face serious allegations, with the NBA confirming they are cooperating with authorities in the ongoing probe.
