A High-Stakes Game of Deceit

In the heart of New York City, a hidden world of poker games unfolded, far from the glitz and glamour of the city. These games were not just about luck but were carefully orchestrated by some members of the New York mafia, known as La Cosa Nostra. The illusion of fairness was shattered when authorities arrested 31 people, including prominent NBA figures like Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and former NBA player Damon Jones. They were accused of taking part in a nationwide scheme to rig illegal poker games. The investigation, codenamed Operation Royal Flush, revealed a complex web of corruption that spanned from organized crime to professional sports. At the core of these underground poker games was a sophisticated setup involving stars, signals, and advanced technology. The victims, unaware of the scam, were lured by the presence of celebrities and the promise of fair play. However, the reality was far different. The dealers, players, and even the "face cards" were all part of the scheme. The technology used in these games was highly advanced. Poker tables were equipped with X-ray technology to read face-down cards, and hidden cameras were built into tables and light fixtures. The shuffling machines, which appeared to randomize the cards, were actually altered to predict the best hands. This information was then transmitted to an off-site operator who relayed it to a player at the table, known as the "Quarterback" or "Driver. " This player would then signal to other members of the team using specific gestures or touching certain colored chips. The case involving Chauncey Billups, a Basketball Hall of Famer, highlighted the high stakes of these games. Billups participated in illegal poker games in various locations, including Manhattan, Miami, Las Vegas, and the Hamptons. His attorney strongly denied the allegations, stating that Billups is a man of integrity who would not risk his reputation for a card game. Billups and Jones were used as "Face Cards" to attract victims to the games, leveraging their star power to legitimize the illegal activities. The consequences of these illegal activities were severe. Members of the illicit poker scheme resorted to violence when victims failed to pay their debts. One defendant, Zhen Hu, was accused of threatening and attacking a victim who had not paid a gambling debt. Prosecutors alleged that Hu and other individuals committed acts of violence, including a gunpoint robbery to obtain a rigged shuffling machine and extortions to ensure victims repaid their debts. The involvement of the Mafia in these schemes was significant. Four of the five major Italian American mafia families in New York City were linked to the rigged poker games. These families supported the games and collected a share of the profits. The investigation uncovered a deliberate, technologically sophisticated operation designed to carry out their crimes. Despite the Mafia's diminished national influence, they remain a significant threat in various regions, including New York, New England, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Detroit.