Man arrested for $1M extortion plot targeting casino mogul Steve Wynn
A 43-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly running a long extortion campaign against casino mogul Steve Wynn. Michael Loizias faces one count of extortion after sending repeated threats and demands for money. He is currently held on a $50,000 bond in West Palm Beach. The harassment began in October 2023, when Loizias started sending hostile emails and letters to Wynn. Over the following months, he escalated his demands, insisting on a $1 million payment. In 2023 alone, investigators recorded 79 emails linked to the extortion attempt.
On January 30, 2026, Wynn received two packages containing threatening letters. One of these was sent from a FedEx Office location in Las Vegas. The letters set a deadline of March 2, 2026, for the $1 million transfer. Loizias even included his own phone number in one of the messages. Authorities arrested Loizias on February 6, 2026. A judge has since ordered him to have no contact with Wynn or any of his employees.
Loizias remains in custody at the Main Detention Center in West Palm Beach. The case involves multiple pieces of evidence, including emails, letters, and a recorded phone number. His next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
