Mafia-Run Poker Scam Allegedly Stole Millions Using X‑Ray Technology, Authorities Say
Federal investigators announced Tuesday that former NBA player Damon Jones and former basketball coach Chauncey Billups were arrested in connection with an alleged organized‑crime poker operation that used hidden X‑ray devices to read opponents’ cards, resulting in losses estimated in the millions of dollars.
According to law‑enforcement sources, the scheme involved outfitting high‑stakes poker tables with covert X‑ray scanners that transmitted card information to accomplices stationed off‑site. Those participants were then able to place winning bets with near certainty, siphoning large sums from other players who included celebrities, professional athletes and affluent gamblers.
The investigation, dubbed “Operation Hidden Hand,” began after casino regulators flagged irregular betting patterns at several private games in major cities. Undercover agents and digital forensics teams tracked the flow of funds, seized the scanning equipment, and compiled financial records that suggested a coordinated effort to defraud participants of at least $10 million.
Use of advanced technology to cheat at card games is not new, but the deployment of X‑ray imaging represents a significant escalation. Historically, organized crime groups have relied on physical card marking or collusion, but the integration of electronic surveillance reflects a broader trend of tech‑enabled fraud across gambling venues worldwide.
Law‑enforcement officials emphasized the need for stricter oversight of private gaming events, noting that the case highlights vulnerabilities in current monitoring practices. Industry analysts warned that the scandal could erode trust among high‑net‑worth players and prompt tighter regulations on the use of electronic devices in gambling establishments. The NBA declined to comment on the involvement of former players.
Jones, Billups and several alleged co‑conspirators now face charges including wire fraud, racketeering and money laundering. Prosecutors indicated that a trial could commence early next year, while investigators continue to examine other high‑stakes games for similar illicit equipment.
