A high-stakes poker player is facing more than 142,000 pages of evidence as he fights allegations that he ran an illegal gambling operation and laundered the winnings. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Intimidating discovery
A high-stakes poker player who allegedly ran an illegal slot machine facility in California is facing more than 142,000 pages of evidence against him. Gal Yifrach was first charged in 2022; its status conference will take place on March 4th this year. The hearing was originally scheduled for Jan. 8 before both legal teams agreed to change the date to allow the defense to review the extensive evidentiary documents and prepare for trial.
The evidence reportedly includes records and documents
This evidence reportedly includes records and documents related to the seizure of electronic devices. Yifrach allegedly ran an illegal gambling operation that “supplied, operated and maintained video gaming machines and equipment” before laundering the winnings.
No escape from the authorities
One of the strategies for cleaning up the money was to buy chips from people destined for a reputable casino in Bell Gardens, California, and then exchange them for checks on the property. He would deposit the checks into his bank account and then use the money to purchase real estate.
Authorities listened to Yifrach’s calls and messages
He once allegedly exchanged more than $200,000 worth of chips for checks at the casino. Authorities listened to Yifrach’s calls and messages and frequently observed communications about the cash settlement between Yifrach and his co-defendants.
Significant potential penalty
Yifrach is charged with running an illegal gambling operation and conspiracy to launder money. He faces up to 25 years in prison and a $750,000 fine. The illegal slot machine business allegedly ran from January 2018 to January 2022, with three other people also charged in the case.
Yifrach was a successful poker player, winning over $1.5 million in World Series of Poker events during his lifetime and winning a bracelet in 2018. He often appeared on the show “Live at the Bike!” Poker streaming show.
In the original confiscation complaint, the government wanted to take nearly $320,000 in cash and about 4.25 Bitcoins from Yifrach, which is equivalent to $170,296 at today’s market price of the cryptocurrency. While authorities initially believed Yifrach posed a flight risk, he is now out on bail.
