George Michael Lee, Casino Cheating, California 2007

California Casino Cheating Ring Leader Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison

San Diego, California – In a major victory for law enforcement, George Michael Lee, a key player in the notorious Tran Organization casino-cheating ring, was sentenced to 36 months in prison and ordered to pay $2,208,019 in restitution to several casinos.

Lee, 37, was one of four members of the Tran Organization to be sentenced in San Diego federal court. The others were Duc Cong Nguyen, Hop Nguyen, and Tien Duc Vu.

The Tran Organization was accused of cheating casinos across the United States and Canada, with Duc Cong Nguyen and Tien Duc Vu admitting to obtaining up to $2.5 million through their card-cheating scheme.

The scheme was uncovered in 2007, when a three-count indictment was returned against Lee, Vu, and 12 others. The indictment charged them with conspiracy to participate in the affairs of a racketeering enterprise, conspiracy to commit several offenses against the United States, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Lee pleaded guilty on December 13, 2007, to conspiracy to participate in the affairs of a racketeering enterprise. He was sentenced by District Judge John A. Houston and ordered to pay $731,645 in forfeiture.

The Tran Organization was accused of cheating at casinos in the United States and Canada, including several Indian gaming establishments in Washington state.

The sentencing of George Michael Lee brings to a close a long and complex investigation into the Tran Organization’s casino-cheating activities.

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