BREAKING: Five individuals were arrested late Friday night in Fairbanks, Alaska, following a police operation targeting an alleged illegal gambling ring. The Fairbanks Police Department (FPD) confirmed that this operation involved two locations, where officers seized over $55,000 in gambling equipment and more than $45,000 in cash.
The arrests occurred at 510 Old Steese Highway and 1521 Stacia Street, where officers discovered numerous “casino-style ‘fish table’ machines” and “Fire Kirin” gambling games. The FPD stated that both locations were operating as unlicensed establishments, confirmed by cash payouts and detailed ledgers tracking daily wins and losses.
According to police, the investigation revealed that the two sites were interconnected, functioning as a unified illegal gambling enterprise. Evidence including matching financial logs and spreadsheets indicated a coordinated effort to circumvent legal gambling regulations.
Among those arrested were Pilisega Filivaa Jr., David Irae Lefau, and Montgomery Finau Kuresa Jr., all from Fairbanks, alongside Marley Etisone Liulama and Richard Taupea Fola of Kent, Washington. All five face multiple charges, including promoting gambling and possession of gambling devices. Notably, Filivaa, Kuresa, and Fola also received additional charges, as outlined by the FPD.
This crackdown highlights rising concerns regarding illegal gambling activities in the region, with local authorities intensifying efforts to combat such operations. The FPD urges the community to report any suspicious gambling activities to help maintain public safety.
As the investigation continues, residents are advised to stay informed about potential developments. The FPD has vowed to address these illegal activities decisively, emphasizing the importance of legal compliance in gaming operations.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
