International casino cheat ring busted

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Windsor - Simultaneous arrests were made in Ontario and across the United States as members of an international casino cheat team were taken into custody following a 44-month investigation.

Investigators from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) assigned to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission, the Organized Crime Section - Asset Forfeiture Unit and the Windsor Police Service were involved in the Canadian investigation and today's arrest of 15 members of the cheat team including several employees from Casino Rama.

Several of those arrested in Ontario will be transported to Orillia Ontario for bail hearings on the May 25, 2007.

Others will make their first appearance in Orillia on the June 26, 2007.

Arrests in the United States were coordinated by the Federal Bureau Of Investigation with the support of police agencies in Michigan, Indiana, California, Washington, Nevada, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Connecticut.

Ontario Provincial Police officers assigned to the Alcohol And Gaming Commission initiated this complex investigation after receiving information from the California Department of Justice.

This offence included the recruitment of casino dealers to predetermine the outcome of card games.

Ontario financial losses are being accessed but are expected to exceed two million dollars.

AGCO mandate

Ontario Provincial Police Officers assigned to the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario are mandated by virtue of the Gaming Control Act with maintaining the honesty and integrity of the gaming industry in Ontario.

In accordance with this responsibility, O.P.P. officers are often called upon to investigate criminal offences that take place inside casinos and slot facilities in Ontario.

These responsibilities are taken seriously, investigations conducted and where possible and/or necessary in the interest of justice, suspects are prosecuted.

This investigation is such a case.

Charged and arrested
Held for bail hearing - May 25, 2007:

- Khai Tran, age 48 of Windsor, Ontario - Participating in a Criminal Organization, Conspiracy, Laundering Proceeds of Crime, Fraud Over $5,000, Possession of Stolen Property and Cheat at Play

- Philip Chung, age 42 of Toronto, Ontario - Participating in a Criminal Organization, Conspiracy, Fraud Over $5,000 and Cheat at Play

- Thao Huynh, age 36 of Windsor, Ontario - Conspiracy, Laundering Proceeds of Crime, Fraud Over $5,000, Possession of Stolen Property and Cheat at Play

- Hai Dao Tran, age 27 of Windsor, Ontario - Conspiracy, Fraud Over $5,000, Possession of Stolen Property and Cheat at Play

- John Tran, age 26 of Windsor, Ontario - Conspiracy, Fraud Over $5,000, and Cheat at Play

- Hong Hanh Truong, age 36 of Mississauga, Ontario - Conspiracy, Fraud Over $5,000, and Cheat at Play

- Hai Van Tran, age 69 of Windsor, Ontario - Fraud Over $5,000, and Cheat at Play

Charged and arrested
First appearance - June 26, 2007:

- Tu Thi Quach, age 49 of Orillia, Ontario - Conspiracy, Fraud Over $5,000, and Cheat at Play

- Latsamy Chaleunsouk, age 40 of Thornhill, Ontario - Fraud Over $5,000, and Cheat at Play

- Hap Duong, age 61 of Windsor, Ontario - Fraud Over $5,000, and Cheat at Play

- Nicole Garant, age 22 of Windsor, Ontario - Fraud Over $5,000, and Cheat at Play

- Van Khvong, age 56 of Windsor, Ontario - Fraud Over $5,000, and Cheat at Play

- James Moon, age 48 of Listowel, Ontario - Fraud Over $5,000, and Cheat at Play

- Khonekham Prasithkhammanh, age 35 of Aurora, Ontario - Fraud Over $5,000, and Cheat at Play

- Robert Salillari, age 38 of Niagara Falls, Ontario - Fraud Over $5,000, and Cheat at Play

Outstanding arrest warrants:

- Phat Tran, age 34 of Windsor, Ontario - Participating in a Criminal Organization, Conspiracy, Laundering Proceeds of Crime, Fraud Over $5,000, Possession of Stolen Property and Cheat at Play

- Tai Tran, age 45 of San Diego, California - Participating in a Criminal Organization, Conspiracy, Laundering Proceeds of Crime, Fraud Over $5,000, Possession of Stolen Property and Cheat at Play

- Hai Van Nguyen, age 34 of Barrie, Ontario - Participating in a Criminal Organization, Conspiracy, Fraud Over $5,000 and Cheat at Play

- Kim Lam, age 34 of Windsor, Ontario - Conspiracy, Laundering Proceeds of Crime, Fraud Over $5,000, Possession of Stolen Property and Cheat at Play

- Anh Thi Tran, age 40 of San Diego, California - Conspiracy, Fraud Over $5,000, Possession of Stolen Property and Cheat at Play

- Hop Nguyen, age 37 of San Diego, California - Conspiracy, Fraud Over $5,000, and Cheat at Play

- Nam Van To, age 42 of Las Vegas, Nevada - Conspiracy, Fraud Over $5,000, and Cheat at Play

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