High-Rolling Las Vegas Poker Player and Spouse Arrested for $57 Million Luxury Car Scheme
Updated Article:
Published on: June 4, 2025, 04:08h.
Last updated on: June 4, 2025, 04:08h.
Cashed Out on Luxury Scam, Poker Chump and Wife Now on the Hook for $57 Million* Faked Businesses, Exotic Cars, and International Clients* Lavish Lifestyle Paid for with Stolen Money
Ever dreamt of striking it rich in a single poker hand? Well, that's just what a Las Vegas poker aficionado thought, who along with his wife, is now accused of running a $57 million luxury vehicle scam.
Meet Jong Rhee, 45, formerly known as John Lusso, and his better half, Neelufar Rhee, 34. They were nabbed by the cops on May 22, according to court records.
The scheming duo convinced unsuspecting investors to pump their hard-earned cash into a fleet of luxury vehicles and marine craft – the catch? These were supposedly destined for wealthy clients in Singapore, raking in substantial profits due to the country's import restrictions.
But, cops believe there were no such clients. The Rhees allegedly used the dough for self-indulgence and settling debts.
Losing Streak at the WSOP
Jong Rhee's poker prowess was less than stellar, with a total live tournament winnings of around $20K in a span of five years, according to the Hendon Mob Database. Stuck in a financial rut, he still entertained dreams of a major tournament win to solve their cash crunch.
In the summer of 2024, the couple was so strapped for cash that Jong Rhee reportedly burned their last $10K at the World Series of Poker Main Event. Failing to hit the jackpot, cops claim they resorted to fraud.
Authorities suspect that the Rhees swindled $57 million from investors through "material fraudulent misrepresentation," including sought-after autos from Bugatti, Porsche, and Rolls-Royce. The supposed resale value of these vehicles was overstated to the tune of $2.5 billion.
As of now, the exact number of victims remains undisclosed due to redacted portions in the court documents.
78 Felony Charges
The multimillion-dollar scam was orchestrated through the couple's businesses – Las Vegas-based Lusso Auto Spa and Henderson-based Twisted Twins Motorsports.
Just last year in July, the Rhees splurged $60K on a private jet to fly themselves and pals to Missouri for a weekend boat trip[1]. Investigators discovered that the yacht in question was meant to be sold to one of the nonexistent international associates.
The Rhees are currently facing a total of 78 felony charges, which include claims of racketeering, money laundering, and forgery.
Regrettably, there could be more victims involved. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is calling on any potential victims to get in touch[2].
[1] Source
[2] Source
- Jong Rhee and his wife Neelufar Rhee, the Las Vegas poker duo accused of a $57 million scam, were arrested on May 22, 2025.
- The Rhees convinced investors to fund a luxury vehicle fleet, falsely promising profits from export to Singapore.
- Their alleged self-indulgence and debt settlement with stolen money led to the multimillion-dollar casino-and-gambling fraud.
- Despite Jong Rhee's poor poker record, with a total live tournament winnings of around $20K in five years, he entertained dreams of a big win to overcome financial difficulties.
- The Rhees are currently facing 78 felony charges, which include racketeering, money laundering, and forgery, in connection to their casino-games business, Lusso Auto Spa, and Twisted Twins Motorsports.
