Jose Arthur D. Chan Jr., $34 Million Bingo Fraud, Guam 2026

Guam Bingo Operators Receive Federal Prison Sentences for $34 Million Fraud Scheme

Hagåtña, Guam – A high-stakes bingo scheme that swindled the public out of $34 million has finally led to justice, with three defendants receiving federal prison sentences.

Jose Arthur D. Chan, Jr., 77, from Dededo, was sentenced on May 12, 2026, to 60 months in federal prison, along with joint and several restitution of $10,750,804 to the Aloha Shriners, $339,013 money judgment forfeiture, and $300 mandatory assessment fee.

His spouse, Christine C. Chan, 64, from Dededo, was sentenced on May 12, 2026, to 70 months in federal prison, $10,750,804 joint and several restitution to the Aloha Shriners, $871,500 money judgment forfeiture, and $2,700 mandatory assessment fee.

Fugitive Michael L. Marasigan, 54, from Dededo, was sentenced in absentia on May 18, 2026, to 262 months in federal prison, $10,750,804 joint and several restitution to the Aloha Shriners, $5,871,493 money judgment forfeiture, and $6,500 mandatory assessment fee.

The defendants were convicted by a jury in the District Court of Guam for Conspiracy to Operate Illegal Gambling Business in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 371 and 1955(a), Money Laundering Conspiracy in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§1956(h), 1956(a)(1)(B)(i) and 1957, and Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1349 and 1343.

According to court records, between March 2015 and December 31, 2021, the Chan couple, Marasigan and other defendants participated in a conspiracy, fraud scheme, and illegal gambling operation involving the Guam Shrine Club (“GSC”) and its Hafa Adai Bingo parlor in Tamuning.

Art Chan served as Vice-President and President of the GSC, a non-profit organization that purported to fund the travel expenses of children and one parent or guardian to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Hawaii for medical care. The defendants defrauded the public and bingo patrons based on false representations that bingo fundraising proceeds would be used for GSC’s charitable purpose.

Mandatory facts: Defendant/Respondent - Jose Arthur D. Chan Jr., Exact Criminal Charges - Conspiracy to Operate Illegal Gambling Business, Money Laundering Conspiracy, and Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, City and State - Hagåtña, Guam, Exact Date - May 12, 2026, Sentence or Outcome - 60 months in federal prison, $10,750,804 joint and several restitution to the Aloha Shriners, $339,013 money judgment forfeiture, and $300 mandatory assessment fee.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-gu/pr/guam-bingo-operators-receive-federal-prison-sentences-34-million-fraud-scheme