LAS VEGAS, July 15 (UPI) -- Federal authorities arrested eight foreign nationals Sunday, accusing them of running an illegal multimillion dollar gambling ring that took bets on World Cup games out of Las Vegas' Caesars Palace.
The arrests took place Sunday in the suites where authorities allege the gambling ring occurred. Agents say they found a laptop with a ledger of the wagers made through the illegal ring during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Of the eight individuals arrested, four were from Malaysia, one was from China and three were from Hong Kong.
The most notable arrest is of 50-year-old Malaysian Wei Seng Phua, whom law enforcement lists as a high ranking-member of 14K -- an Asian organized crime syndicate that falls under the umbrella of the Triad international Chinese crime syndicate. Phua was arrested in Macau in June on similar charges, but fled to Las Vegas in his private Gulfstream jet.
According to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, Phua and his co-conspirators requested the installation of high speed DSL and WiFi connections, prompting hotel employees to contact authorities. The connections were allegedly requested so the group could monitor and place bets in oversees computers.
No Caesars Palace management or employees were targeted, as Homeland Security and the Gaming Control Board say Caesars personnel have complied with the investigation and were the first to alert authorities of suspicious behavior.
