A Malaysian poker player’s refusal to fold to the U.S. government’s charges that he ran an illegal World Cup gambling ring in Las Vegas let him walk away free, with his luxury jet in his possession.
Wei Seng Phua’s all-in bet paid off Monday when a U.S. judge threw out the case after refusing to let the government’s evidence be used at trial. Others involved, including Phua’s son, had earlier pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges and were allowed to leave the U.S.
Phua, 50, a businessman with interests in luxury hotels and mining who competes in high-stakes poker events, was arrested with a group of Asian men and women after Caesars Palace had alerted authorities to an unusual large number of computers and TVs set up in one of their hotel villas, making it look like a sports-betting room.
FBI agents crossed the line on constitutional protection against unreasonable searches when they cut off the Internet connection and entered the suite without a warrant posing as repairmen, U.S. District Judge Andrew Gordon ruled in April. In throwing out the charges Monday, the judge also ordered the government to return Phua’s passport and $48 million private jet.
READ: World Cup betting: Malaysia's Paul Phua may be allowed to visit ailing mom
READ: Ahmad Zahid takes oath denying personal interest in Paul Phua's case
READ: Letter to FBI isn't support letter not to charge Paul Phua - Zahid
“Paul Phua stayed in the United States to defeat these charges because he was innocent and because the government’s misconduct made the case even more unjust,” Thomas Goldstein, one of his lawyers, said in a statement. “Today, his faith in the American justice system was completely vindicated.”
Natalie Collins, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Las Vegas, declined to comment on the judge’s decision to throw the case out.
The judge last week also threw out the evidence obtained from searches of two other villas the group used because a warrant was based on the earlier illegal entry to Phua’s suite.
Prosecutors said in a court filing last week they were reviewing Gordon’s rulings suppressing the evidence for a possible appeal.
The case is U.S. v. Phua, 14-cr-00249, U.S. District Court, District of Nevada (Las Vegas).
Bloomberg
Tue Jun 02 2015
Wei Seng Phuas all-in bet paid off Monday when a U.S. judge threw out the case after refusing to let the governments evidence be used at trial.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.