Nine individuals have been indicted for allegedly operating a multi-million-dollar illegal gambling operation that laundered over $9.5 million through casino-style arcades in southwest Missouri.
A federal grand jury handed down a 72-count indictment against Rahulkumar Patel, Manishkumar Patel, Mitulkumar Barot, Sunilkumar Patel, Tushar Patel, Azghar Ali, Harshadkumar Chaudhari, Vipul Patel, and Mohammed Iphtekar Ali Ajgar. Each defendant faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, and operating illegal gambling establishments. Most also face wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy charges.
The indictment alleges that since 2022, the group used business fronts—including Big Win Arcade LLC, Vegas City LLC, and Spin Hitters LLC—to run illegal gambling venues across Missouri. Locations in Springfield, Joplin, and Branson West offered slot machine-style games under the guise of adult arcades.
Defendants reportedly resided in multiple states, including Colorado, Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, and Washington, and laundered money across state lines and internationally to India.
At a press briefing on July 25, Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Eggert said the arcades were run like full-scale casinos, drawing local complaints about crime and disrupting neighborhoods. Springfield Police Major Tad Peters noted that illegal activity around these businesses prompted the investigation, and their closure has improved conditions in surrounding areas.
“These were businesses that were basically operating as casinos,” said Greene County Prosecutor Dan Patterson, “and they were affecting the quality of life of their neighbors. I believe we have seen a change since this investigation took place.”
Eggert emphasized that while several defendants are Indian citizens, race, nationality, or immigration status played no role in the investigation. “Anybody who violates the law, regardless of their origin of birth, their religious or racial status, will be judged in the same way by legal standards,” he said.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a federal initiative targeting transnational criminal organizations and illegal operations. The new indictment replaces a previous one against one of the defendants and may expand as the investigation continues.
“Our area is growing,” Eggert added, “but with that growth also comes opportunity for criminal activity. That’s why we have strong partnerships between federal, local, and state agencies—to protect the community and maintain the high quality of life in the Ozarks.”
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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