NBA Stars and Mafia Linked to High-Tech Poker Scam Using X-Ray Tables and Rigged Machines

High-tech poker scandal exposes mafia ties and NBA celebrity involvement

New York City — A sweeping federal investigation has exposed a high-tech poker scam involving NBA celebrities, organized crime families, and advanced cheating devices. The operation, which allegedly stole millions from unsuspecting players, has led to multiple indictments and revealed the use of cutting-edge technology in illegal gambling.

Federal prosecutors allege that since 2019, defendants orchestrated rigged poker games across major cities including Manhattan, Las Vegas, Miami, and the Hamptons. Victims, referred to as “fish,” were lured by the chance to play with “face cards” — celebrities like Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones — who were allegedly complicit in the scam.

The scheme relied on wireless cheating technology, including modified shuffling machines capable of reading and predicting card outcomes. These machines transmitted data to off-site operators, who then signaled a “quarterback” at the table to guide colluding players toward victory.

Among the tools used were poker chip tray analyzers, hidden cameras, contact lenses that read premarked cards, and even an X-ray poker table that could detect face-down cards. One victim reportedly lost over $1.8 million in a single game.

The stolen funds were allegedly laundered through shell companies, cryptocurrency, and cash exchanges, fueling the operations of notorious New York crime families including the Bonano, Gambino, and Genovese clans. When victims resisted payment, threats and violence were used — a tactic consistent with traditional mafia enforcement.

Charges filed include wire fraud conspiracy, illegal gambling, money laundering, and extortion. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized the blend of old-school intimidation with cutting-edge tech, calling it a “modern twist on organized crime.”

“Your winning streak has ended. Your luck has run out,” declared Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, signaling a strong stance against tech-enabled fraud in the gambling world.

This case highlights the evolving nature of gambling fraud and the urgent need for oversight in celebrity-endorsed gaming circles. As investigations continue, the intersection of fame, technology, and crime remains under intense scrutiny.

Trump’s Sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil Disrupt Global Oil Trade Amid Ukraine War

Trump’s sanctions on Russian oil giants shake global energy markets and test geopolitical alliances

In a dramatic escalation of economic pressure, President Donald Trump has announced sweeping sanctions on Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil, aiming to curb Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine. The move marks the first direct sanctions from the current administration targeting Russia’s energy sector, a critical pillar of its economy.

Speaking from the Oval Office alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump expressed frustration over stalled peace talks with President Vladimir Putin, following the cancellation of a planned summit in Budapest. “Every time I speak to Vladimir, it goes nowhere,” Trump said, signaling a shift toward tougher measures.

The sanctions freeze all U.S.-based assets of Rosneft and Lukoil and prohibit American entities from conducting business with them. Additionally, 30 subsidiaries linked to these companies are now blacklisted. According to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the sanctions are necessary due to “Putin’s refusal to end this senseless war,” emphasizing that these firms fund the Kremlin’s “war machine.”

Rosneft and Lukoil together account for 70% of Russia’s overseas crude oil exports, with Rosneft alone producing nearly half of Russia’s oil output—about 6% of global supply. The sanctions are expected to ripple through global markets, especially in China and India, which have become Russia’s top oil buyers since 2022.

The U.S. Treasury warned that foreign financial institutions facilitating Russian oil sales could face secondary sanctions, potentially disrupting banking intermediaries in Asia. Analysts suggest this could force buyers to seek alternative suppliers or pay higher prices, impacting global oil trade dynamics.

Following the announcement, Brent crude prices surged 4%, while West Texas Intermediate jumped over 5%, reflecting market anxiety. However, experts caution that Russia may still find ways to bypass restrictions using shadow fleets and non-Western financial channels.

While the sanctions may not immediately halt Russia’s oil exports, they signal a strategic recalibration. By targeting revenue streams and pressuring global intermediaries, the U.S. aims to weaken Russia’s economic resilience and influence the course of the Ukraine conflict.

Meta Lays Off 600 AI Employees Amid $14.3 Billion Investment Push

Meta trims 600 AI roles amid billion-dollar tech investments and strategic restructuring

In a strategic move that’s sending ripples through the tech industry, Meta Platforms has announced the layoff of approximately 600 employees from its artificial intelligence (AI) division. The decision comes amid Meta’s aggressive push into AI infrastructure, including a massive $14.3 billion investment in Scale AI and a newly inked $27 billion deal with Blue Owl Capital to fund its Hyperion data center in Louisiana.

The layoffs were confirmed by Meta’s spokesperson and detailed in a memo from Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang, who joined the company in June. Affected teams include those working in AI infrastructure, Fundamental Artificial Intelligence Research, and various product-related roles. The move is part of Meta’s broader effort to streamline operations and reduce organizational layers for greater agility.

Despite the job cuts, Meta remains committed to its AI ambitions. The company has been pouring billions into AI to stay competitive with rivals like Google and OpenAI, focusing on infrastructure, talent acquisition, and long-term scalability. The Hyperion data center, described by CEO Mark Zuckerberg as large enough to “cover a significant part of the footprint of Manhattan,” exemplifies Meta’s vision for AI dominance.

Industry analysts view the layoffs as a recalibration rather than a retreat. By trimming roles and consolidating teams, Meta aims to optimize its workforce while maintaining momentum in AI development. The restructuring also reflects a shift in priorities, with more emphasis on scalable systems and fewer redundancies.

While the layoffs are a setback for affected employees, Meta’s continued investment signals confidence in AI’s transformative potential. The company’s dual strategy—cutting costs while expanding infrastructure—suggests a long-term play to lead in the evolving AI landscape.

As Meta navigates this transition, the tech world watches closely. The balance between innovation and efficiency will define how companies like Meta shape the future of artificial intelligence.