Poker pros’ cash hasn’t freed defendants in Las Vegas illegal World Cup betting case
LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Lawyers in Las Vegas are asking immigration authorities to release a wealthy Malaysian businessman who was charged in a World Cup betting scheme and remains in custody even after his poker star friends posted his bail.
Fifty-year-old Wei Seng Phua and his 22-year-old son, Darren Phua, are among eight people charged with setting up an illegal sports book in a Caesars Palace villa and taking World Cup bets. Bail was set for $2 million for the father and $500,000 for the son.
Court records show poker professional Andrew Robl and 10-time World Series of Poker Champion Phil Ivey together posted $2.5 million to secure the Phuas’ release.
But U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement put a hold on their release.
Phua’s attorney tells the Las Vegas Review-Journal he’ll challenge the detention.
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