Mafia's High-Tech Poker Scam with NBA Stars and X-Ray Tables Exposed!

A group of celebrities, sports stars, and wealthy gamblers gathered to play high-stakes poker, hoping to win big. What they did not realize was that the games were rigged from the start. The mafia had set up an elaborate scheme using advanced technology, including X-ray tables, hidden cameras, and special glasses and contact lenses that could read marked cards. This made it nearly impossible for anyone outside the group to win.

According to prosecutors, the scam was like something out of a Hollywood movie. The mafia recruited famous athletes, such as NBA coach Chauncey Billups and former player Damon Jones, to attract wealthy victims to illegal poker games. These victims, called 'fishes,' were unaware that everyone else at the table was in on the scam. The technology used included tables that could read face-down cards, chip trays with analyzers, and shuffling machines that predicted the best hand. Cameras hidden in tables and light fixtures sent information to an off-site operator, who then communicated with a 'quarterback' at the table. This person would use secret signals, like touching chips or tapping their chin, to let others know who had the winning hand.

Sometimes, the conspirators would let the victim win a few hands to keep them playing longer and losing more money. Text messages between the scammers showed how they coordinated their actions to avoid suspicion, swapping players and losing money to each other when needed. Each game could cost a victim tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. The money was then laundered through cryptocurrency, cash exchanges, and shell companies, with a portion going to fund the mafia's criminal activities.

The FBI called the scheme 'mind-boggling' and said it affected victims in cities like New York, Miami, and Las Vegas. More than 30 people were arrested, including members of well-known crime families and the two basketball stars. The Portland Trail Blazers, whose coach was involved, said they are cooperating with the investigation. The case also included a separate plot where NBA players allegedly faked injuries to influence betting odds.

This story highlights how technology can be used for sophisticated fraud and how even celebrities can be involved in criminal schemes. The FBI is working to bring those responsible to justice and help the victims recover their losses.