Sting Operation Successful: FBI, ATF, Local Police Force Apprehend 15 Gambling Suspects in Hawaii, Recover $150,000 in Cash
In a significant crackdown on illegal activities, a joint operation by the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Department of Homeland Security, and the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) led to the busting of an extensive gambling operation spanning two residences on Oahu, Hawaii on September 18, 2019.
The operation, which has been ongoing for several years, resulted in the seizure of 60 non-permitted gaming machines and approximately $150,000 in cash. 15 suspects are facing charges in relation to the operation, with eight currently in custody and seven still evading law enforcement.
US Attorney Kenji Price stated that the goal is to take the property of the illegal game room owners through civil or criminal forfeiture. Among the suspects is Ifo Nimoai, Jr., a previously convicted felon who was allegedly found at one of the illegal gaming properties last year with methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and a .45 caliber pistol. Ifo Nimoai, Jr. was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm with intent to use that weapon to further drug trafficking.
Jason Ishizuka, Aiyan Zhang, Seng Long Lio, Shi Min Huang, Alex Hui Zhang, and Freddy Siatunuu are facing the same charges for running an illegal gambling venture at a second location. Zongqi Ding, Tommy Can Wei Lee, Zhong Chen, Endrews Setefano, Paolo Ioane, and Matthew Samuela are facing charges for conducting, financing, managing, supervising, directing, or owning a gambling business.
Three indictments, two criminal complaints, and a civil lawsuit were filed against the 15 suspects. The last update on the operation was on June 23, 2025.
Hawaii is one of two states in the U.S. with no forms of legalized gambling. According to state law, social gambling is allowed in Hawaii, but it cannot occur at hotels, motels, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, massage parlors, billiard parlors, or any business establishment of any kind, public parks, public buildings, public beaches, school grounds, churches, or any other public area.
This is not the first time Hawaii has dealt with illegal gambling operations. The state continues to work diligently to combat such activities and uphold the law. More updates on this ongoing case are expected in the future.
The extensive gambling operation uncovered in Oahu, Hawaii involved individuals charged with crime-and-justice offenses, such as Ifo Nimoai, Jr., who was previously convicted and found with illegal substances and a firearm. The authorities aim to seize their properties through civil or criminal forfeiture.
The ongoing case, which has been active since 2019, intertwines with general-news discussions, especially considering Hawaii's strict stance against gambling and the ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities in the state.
