⏱ 3 min read
A brazen multi-million-dollar illegal gambling operation has been busted in southwest Missouri, with an Indian national at the helm. Rahulkumar D. Patel, a 41-year-old citizen of India living in Washington, admitted in federal court to running the wire fraud scheme and illegal gambling businesses.
Patel’s operation, which spanned six locations in Springfield and Joplin, raked in $7,696,085 in gross proceeds from its internet amusement arcade games, skill game arcades, and adult arcades. The scheme, which began on July 1, 2022, and continued until May 13, 2025, involved hiring local employees to work in the businesses, which operated contests of chance, gambling devices, and slot machines in violation of Missouri and Federal law.
Patel pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. His guilty plea marked a significant blow to the organization, which had been charged in a 72-count superseding indictment by a federal grand jury in Springfield.
The indictment named Patel and eight other individuals, all of whom were charged with participating in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, and operating illegal gambling businesses. Patel’s plea deal is a major victory for law enforcement, who have been cracking down on illegal gambling operations in the region.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: White Collar Crime
- Defendant: southwest Missouri
- Location: MO
- Source: DOJ Press Release
