Ahmedabad: A Gujarat-origin man living in the United States has pleaded guilty to his role in a multimillion-dollar illegal gambling operation that authorities say generated nearly $9.5 million (about ₹81 crore) in proceeds across southwest Missouri.
Guilty Plea Entered in Federal Court
Tushar Patel, 40, currently residing in Georgia, pleaded guilty before a federal court in Springfield, Missouri, to:
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
- Conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business
- Conspiracy to commit money laundering
The case was prosecuted by the United States Department of Justice.
Businesses Allegedly Disguised as Entertainment Centres
According to federal prosecutors, Patel and his associates operated a network of illegal gambling establishments that were presented as internet amusement arcades, skill-game centres and adult arcades.
Authorities alleged that the businesses offered gambling devices, games of chance and slot-machine-style games in violation of federal and Missouri state laws. The establishments reportedly employed local workers and outwardly appeared to be legitimate entertainment venues.
Nearly $9.5 Million in Illegal Proceeds
Patel admitted that he and his co-conspirators generated approximately $9.5 million in gross revenue from the gambling operations.
Prosecutors said members of the conspiracy then conducted financial transactions designed to conceal the source of the funds and launder the proceeds.
Part of Larger Federal Investigation
The guilty plea forms part of a broader federal case involving nine defendants. Patel and eight others were named in a 72-count superseding indictment issued by a grand jury in May 2025.
Investigators allege that the conspiracy operated from July 2022 through May 2025 across multiple locations in southwest Missouri.
Potential Prison Sentence
Under US federal law, Patel faces maximum penalties of:
- Up to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud
- Up to 5 years for conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business
- Up to 20 years for conspiracy to commit money laundering
Sentencing will be determined by the court at a later date. Cases against several co-defendants remain pending.
