UPDATE: Five individuals have been arrested in Fairbanks, Alaska, after a significant police investigation into an illegal gambling operation that unfolded late Friday night. The Fairbanks Police Department (FPD) responded to reports and uncovered extensive evidence of unlicensed gambling activities at two local addresses.
Officers executed a search at 510 Old Steese Highway and 1521 Stacia Street, seizing over $55,000 in gambling equipment, which included numerous casino-style “fish table” machines and “Fire Kirin” gambling games. In addition, authorities confiscated $45,053 in cash, seven cell phones, six computers, and one vehicle, highlighting the scale and operation of the illegal enterprise.
According to the FPD, both locations operated in tandem as a coordinated gambling enterprise. They discovered cash-based payouts, along with both electronic and handwritten ledgers that meticulously tracked daily wins and losses. Signage outlining “house rules” further confirmed that these establishments were functioning as unlicensed gambling operations.
The individuals arrested include:
– Pilisega Filivaa Jr.
– David Irae Lefau
– Montgomery Finau Kuresa Jr., all from Fairbanks
– Marley Etisone Liulama and Richard Taupea Fola from Kent, Washington
All five face multiple charges, including promoting gambling, possession of gambling records, and possession of gambling devices. Notably, Filivaa, Kuresa, and Fola received additional charges, reflecting the severity of their offenses.
The FPD’s investigation revealed matching financial logs and electronic spreadsheets from both addresses, confirming their operation as a single illegal entity. With this operation now dismantled, local residents and officials are breathing a sigh of relief, but concerns remain over the prevalence of illegal gambling in the area.
Officials urge anyone with further information about other potential illegal activities to come forward. As community safety remains a priority, the FPD is committed to cracking down on such operations to ensure Fairbanks remains a safe environment for its residents.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. Share this news to keep your community informed about the latest in local law enforcement actions.
