The initiative marks a collaboration between the CID’s Casino Crime Investigation Branch (CCIB) and the National Council on Problem Gambling. The migrant workers who are selected to join in this role are called C.a.N ambassadors.

A new cohort of C.a.N Ambassadors has been appointed to combat gambling-related crimes and addiction among migrant workers in Singapore.https://t.co/OmfNrkgpY5#spfpolicelife

— Singapore Police Force (@SingaporePolice) January 30, 2026

Those who apply have to undergo an interview and are then assessed on a number of criteria and they are required to work in Singapore for more than two years. Once named an ambassador, they are then trained to educate about problematic gambling behaviors.

They also share crime prevention advisories with the CCIB’s guidance and help guide peers towards available support, including casino self-exclusion. The people selected must participate in at least one outreach session at dormitories or recreational centers during their two-year term.

It was on 18 January when 46 ambassadors were recognized, with 24 being reappointed and 22 newly appointed.

Singapore Police’s first ambassador program to help educate on gambling risks took place in 2022

It was in 2022 when 40-year-old Mr Abul Bossain Tuhin joined the inaugural ambassador program which was spearheaded by the Singapore Police Force’s Criminal Investigation Department to spread awareness about responsible gambling.

He has said that scenes of migrant workers crying outside a casino when he left a night shift broke his heart and made him realize that he had to do something to help stop the vicious cycle. The man has now been serving as a C.a.N ambassador for the past four years.

Speaking about the program, Mr Tuhin said: “It’s really meaningful for me because so many of my fellow countrymen don’t know how to solve their problems,” Mr Tuhin said.

At the ceremony where the new ambassadors were present, along with representatives from partner agencies, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police (DAC) Eugene Wang, Assistant Director of the CID’s Specialised Crime Division, expressed his appreciation to those who have joined the program.

“We’ve encountered cases where migrant workers were arrested for casino-related crimes and it’s heartbreaking to see them repatriated after serving their sentence,” he said. “They lose not only their hard-earned salaries but also future employment opportunities in Singapore.”

Featured Image: Credit to Singapore Police Force

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The arrests are for allegedly “engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity connecting to the criminal network,” according to a press release. The individuals identified are Jai’Quavius Carter, Cantrell Island, De’Jorr Gibson, and Jordan Davis.

It was on Tuesday (January 13), when law enforcement vehicles and officers executed nine search warrants across multiple locations.

This happened early in the morning, just before 6AM, with Chief Cutris Hile, from the Lima Police Department, confirming that some people may have seen a large presence of law enforcement in the area.

This operation is described as a coordinated initiative, with the aim being to disrupt drug trafficking, illegal firearm activity, and illegal gambling within the community.

Lima Police embark on Operation New Beginnings

In the press release, the Lima Police Chief Curtis Hile said: “This operation was about stopping ongoing harm and restoring a sense of safety for residents who have been living with this activity day after day.

“By dismantling this network, we’ve removed individuals and operations that were actively undermining our community.”

The search warrants took place at the following addresses: 703 Faurot Avenue, 707 Faurot Avenue, 332 South Metcalf Street, 332 ½ South Metcalf Street, 403 South Metcalf Street, 1020 Faurot Avenue, 521 East Fourth Street, 1513 West Wayne Street and 1515 Harding Highway.

The efforts from the operation resulted in four arrests, closure of the Jackpot Zone, located at 1515 Harding Highway, following enforcement action related to alleged illegal gambling, the seizure of three vehicles and recovery of two semi-automatic handguns. Further financial and evidentiary seizures remain under review.

Multiple teams were involved in the efforts, including the Lima Police Department – Investigations Division & Uniformed Officers, Lima Police Department SWAT, Lima Police Department PACE Unit, Ohio State Highway Patrol – SWAT (Three Teams) & Uniformed Troopers, Ohio Casino Control Commission, and the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC), Ohio Department of Public Safety.

The release states that additional arrests and enforcement actions remain possible, with public safety stressed as being a top priority.

Featured Image: Allen County Jail

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According to a statement posted by the department, detectives took 51-year-old Quarla Blackwell into custody at her residence in North Carolina on Tuesday (December 23) without incident. Police said Blackwell faces four counts of money laundering and two counts of gambling. The department added that the investigation remains ongoing and that additional charges are possible.

In a separate social media post, an account claiming to belong to Blackwell shared a video Tuesday showing police vehicles pulling up in front of a residence where she was present. The same account later stated that she had spent two days in jail. In a written post, she said, “As long as I’ve been playing on these fish tables now it’s a crime.” Fish table games are a type of casino game, where players take control of a cannon, aim, shoot, and try to catch as many fish as possible.

Police vehicles are seen outside a residence in Kinston during an investigation announced by authorities. Credit: Quarla Blackwell / Facebook

Police have not commented on the video or the statements attributed to Blackwell. Authorities stressed that the charges are allegations and that the case will proceed through the court system. Blackwell is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Former city council candidate faces gambling charges in Kinston Facebook probe

According to Gambling America, Blackwell is a former city council candidate and well-known community activist. She has faced legal scrutiny before. In September, she was charged with perjury in connection with disclosures filed during her run for Kinston’s at-large city council seat. Warrants allege she reported that her rights had been restored as of 2025, when police say they were not scheduled to be restored until 2028.

Blackwell later filed an election protest seeking a new vote, saying she had evidence of irregularities. The State Board of Elections reviewed her claims last week during a meeting in Raleigh and denied the request.

Featured image: Kinston Police Department via Facebook

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The news comes from the Calgary Police Service, who say they were contacted after casino management staff became suspicious of possible fraudulent activity and carried out their own investigation.

CHARGES LAID

We have arrested & charged 2 men & 3 women who are believed to be responsible for working together to defraud a casino located in the city’s southeast.

After casino management staff became suspicious of possible fraudulent activity, they conducted their own… pic.twitter.com/S7dV7q3Wq5

— Calgary Police (@CalgaryPolice) December 8, 2025

According to a news release from the City of Calgary, it says “that between Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, and Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, two employees of the casino illegitimately issued unearned winnings to three patrons on several occasions, who participated in various card games.”

On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at roughly 3:20PM, Calgary police were called to the casino for alleged reports of theft and fraud. The actual casino hasn’t been named.

It was upon arrival that police located and arrested the five alleged suspects.

The statement continues: “As a result, Yalan YIN, 50, Leonilo Calahi JUAN, 51, Rui Qin HUANG, 52, Rosielyn KONNO, 57, and Catherine MANIPON, 48, are each charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. MANIPON and KONNO are also charged with one count each of criminal breach of trust.”

Alleged fraud suspects will appear in court next week

The five people who were arrested for alleged fraudulent activity are scheduled to appear in court on Monday, December 22, just a few days ahead of Christmas Day.

“Addressing financial crime requires a united approach across different agencies,” says Inspector Scott Neilson of the Calgary Police Service.

“The Calgary Police Service works closely with regulatory bodies and industry partners to ensure gaming industry standards are followed, and those who attempt to exploit them are held accountable. We thank our investigators and partners for their diligent work in helping us advance this investigation.”

The police have also urged anyone with information relating to this possible incident to reach out and have shared that tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers.

Featured Image: CC4.0 license, by AceYYC on Wikimedia Commons

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The City of Chesapeake issued a plea for information or for individuals to come forward in a convenience store case covering the 1000 block of Fentress Road.

Convenience store gambling machine robbery

On the Virginian City’s News Flash page, the robbers are alleged to have stolen the money box from the machines and fled in an unknown direction.

Police are offering a $1,500 reward for any further information or for anyone who can provide context about the robbery.

The issue of gambling machine theft across the United States has been a prominent throughline throughout the year, with multiple states issuing releases about violence and robberies linked to skill games.

Chesapeake Police are searching for two people suspected of robbing gambling machines. Credit: Chesapeake Police Department

Gaming machine violence in Virginia

In Henry County, Virginia, a man was arrested for a gas station incident after losing money on a gambling machine. At J&H Market, the individual was named by the local police force as Thornton Burnette.

According to ABC News 13, Burnette lost money while gambling on the machine and then returned with a firearm around his neck and power tools, including a cordless grinder. He reportedly used the power tools to break the machine open, causing $1,000 in damage before being apprehended.

Burnette was charged with Destruction of property, Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Use of a gun in the commission of a felony, Possession of burglary tools, and Attempted robbery.

He is due to appear in court on December 11 and is being held at the Henry County Adult Detention Center without bond.

Illegal gambling machines on the rise

Pike County, Alabama’s Sheriff’s Office was involved in a related gas station gambling incident at the Marathon gas station in the 7000 block of US Highway 231 in Brundidge.

Investigators seized multiple items linked to gambling paraphernalia, including $25,000 in US currency, over 30 rolls of scratch-off style lottery tickets, an electronic gambling hub device, two coin pusher style machines, according to the Pike County Sheriff’s Office after a warrant was served to the owner.

“I am very proud of the job performance and the time and energy that went into this case, to stop illegal gambling at this location. With this type of illegal activity and the large number of people who play these games, other crimes are also associated with illegal gambling,” said, Sheriff Thomas.

Featured image: Chesapeake Police Department via Facebook

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Detectives from Constable Mark Herman’s Regulatory Enforcement Unit responded to anonymous tips pointing to a location believed to facilitate the illegal activity.

Houston business used as a front for gambling den

The news of the bust was posted to the Harris County Facebook page, detailing that the store, located in the 900 block of FM 1960 Rd W, Houston, Texas was subject to the police raid.

In the social media post, the heading “ILLEGAL GAMBLING OPERATION SHUT DOWN BY CONSTABLE MARK HERMAN’S OFFICE!” was emblazoned in all caps.

“During the operation, deputies seized over $9,000 in cash gambling proceeds, numerous illegal gambling devices and documentation supporting illegal gambling activity,” read the post.

Phong Thanh Tu photographed following Houston illegal gambling investigation. Credit: Harris County Constable, Precinct 4 via Facebook

Phong Thanh Tu has been publicly named as the suspect arrested as part of the coordinated move for alleged “Possession of Gambling Devices/Equipment/Paraphernalia.”

This is a repeat offence, says the Regulatory Enforcement Unit, as Thanh Tu was arrested for the same reason five years prior in 2020.

“Illegal gambling establishments attract a wide range of criminal activity and pose a serious threat to community safety,” said the constable’s office when commenting on illegal locations.

After obtaining the search warrant for the suspected gambling location, officers from Constable Herman’s office enforced the order to search the premises.

The post concluded, stating that “these operations violate the Peace and Dignity of the State of Texas, and that their proceeds often fund dangerous criminal enterprises.”

Illegal gambling in Texas

Illegal gambling in the Lone Star State has a history of being swiftly dealt with by local law enforcement.

As we reported, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Javier Salazar flagged an arrest of 22 individuals, sixty gambling machines and $67,350 in a similar coordinated bust.

Another case investigated at the federal level involved Dominga “Penny” Ledesma, who pleaded guilty to charges related to operating illegal gambling establishments across South Texas, alongside game room owner Rene Gamez.

For this elaborate lattice of false information and front companies, the accused was handed an 18-month sentence for the use of deceased people’s details to process twenty-one million ($21,000,000) USD in cash transactions tied to the El Toro Game Room.

Featured image: Harris County Police Department

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The premises have previously been involved in a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and National Indian Gaming Commission case into Jonathan Cernek, the former chairman of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana.

Now the gaming division of the Louisiana State Police has confirmed that Cernek and others are part of a wider ongoing financial misconduct case, and a shooting was reported at the home of the current Coushatta Tribe Chairman, David Sickey.

Louisiana State Police confirm Coushatta Tribe casino case

Lt. Robert Dowdy, with the Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division, was interviewed by the Louisiana Illuminator and replied to the case involving the Coushatta Casino Resort as “ongoing.”

In a dramatic addition to an already complicated case, a shot was fired at Sickey’s home, traveling through his child’s bedroom window. No injuries were reported in the 11:15 p.m. shooting, but a slug was recovered from the scene by the Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office.

We reported the initial case involving the alleged actions of Cernek, but the other individuals under investigation by the FBI and the National Indian Gaming Commission had not been named.

According to documents obtained by the news outlet, the case has spanned months of investigation into Cernek and other individuals close to the resort’s financial mechanisms.

They include former employees, Paula Corliss, the venue’s purchasing manager, and Todd Stewart, who served as the general manager and chief financial officer.

More details in the casino case come to light

According to documents linked to the case, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor received submissions from Stewart as part of an independent audit that showed credit card misuse.

A request by the National Indian Gaming Commission ordered the Coushatta Tribe’s casino oversight panel to review both Stewart and Corliss’ licenses. Neither was renewed.

The National Indian Gaming Commission issued a letter to the panel regarding Stewart’s license and called for its revocation on multiple grounds.

The regulatory body stated that Stewart did not “disclose suspected fraud to the external auditors” and did not make a potential lender of $150 million for a construction project involving the casino aware of this either.

Featured image: Coushatta Casino Resort via YouTube

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Marie Thompson, 29, has been jailed for three years and four months after an investigation by South Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Department (PSD), as detailed in a report from the police force. The former police constable was found guilt of blackmailing a suspect in one of her own cases.

In 2023, Thompson, who was working in Doncaster, anonymously reached out to a suspect she was investigating. She used a fake email account to attempt to force a £3,500 ($4,600) ransom from the suspect to keep the allegations against them quiet.

The suspect took the blackmail to the police, with the case then allocated to Thompson as it was thought to be connected to her ongoing investigation. Thompson recorded false notes that the suspect did not want to pursue further steps in the investigation.

Another anonymous email was sent by Thompson a few days later, under the subject line: “I’m so sorry.” The email said that the sender was desperate, apologized for the previous blackmail attempt, and promised to stop all contact. Suspicions were nonetheless raised against Thompson, leading to a PSD investigation and then her arrest in October 2023.

Thompson was still in her probation period with South Yorkshire Police and was immediately suspended upon her arrest. Further investigation from PSD found that the emails had been sent from her personal laptop and that Thompson was in “significant debt through gambling”, although the exact amount is not publicly known.

Police officer charged and sentenced

After pleading guilty at Leeds Crown Court on September 4, Thompson was sentenced to three years and four months in prison for blackmail and perverting the course of justice. She has also been served with a Regulation 13 notice, which deems her unfit to serve as a police officer.

“Thompson’s crimes are shameful and cast a shadow over the excellent work being delivered for our communities by policing colleagues driven by fairness, integrity and trust,” said Detective Constable Alexandra Furniss, the officer in charge of this case.

“There is no place in our force for police officers who fail to live and work by our values and standards. Our work to root out these individuals continues in our tireless bid to ensure our force builds and maintains the trust and confidence of the public.”

A similar story was reported last month in Australia’s New South Wales, where a police officer sold gold bars to fund his gambling debts.

Featured image: South Yorkshire Police

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Between February 2024 and June 2024, Cagno worked with the owner of BW Media Consulting, LLC. The pair solicited investments from the other cop, who hasn’t been named, while they were “recovering from a serious illness.” That cash, the reported $200,000, was instead used for the following:

• OnlyFans
• Gambling
• Buying a vehicle
• Paying off credit card debt
• Payments on his home
• Eating out

For those unaware, OnlyFans is a subscription-based website that users can access adult content through. Users subscribe to individuals on the site to receive that content directly, but will often have to pay additional fees for further access.

According to the press release and investigation, Cagno then spent the $200,000 “within” two months. His arrest came on September 17, and he will be in court on October 22, 2025. He was released by the judge overseeing the case due to it being “non-bail eligible under current New York State law”.

Nassau cop “preyed” on colleague to fuel gambling expenses

Quoted in the press release, District Attorney Tierney said:

“The allegations here represent a shocking abuse of the essential trust that exists between fellow police officers.

“This defendant is alleged to have preyed upon that trust for his own financial gain, and in so doing, violated one of the most important bonds in law enforcement.”

The Suffolk County District Attorney has put the call out for anyone who believes they might have been victimized by Cagno to call them on: (631) 853-4626.

This comes just months after another Nassau County ex-cop was accused of “selling his badge” to the local mob. Hector Rosario was eventually found out after lying to the FBI about his connections to the Bonanno crime family.

Featured image: Nassau County Police

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The Alameda Police Department followed up on reports of a possible illegal gambling den. After a detailed investigation, officers executed a search warrant at a home in the 600 block of Haight Avenue on September 2.

The searching officers on the scene found and seized slot machines, table games, firearms, ammunition, cash, and drug paraphernalia. The individuals located at the scene were issued citations by the Alameda Police Department, while all the gambling equipment, alleged to be there illegally, was removed from the property.

“The Alameda Police Department remains committed to addressing illegal activity that impacts the safety and quality of life of our community,” the department said in a statement shared to Facebook. “This case remains open and is being followed up by APD’s Investigations Unit.”

A video shared to Facebook as well showed the use of drones as part of the investigation, as well as shots of the machines, gambling paraphernalia, and cash that were seized as part of the operation. At the time of writing, the Alameda Police Department has not how many people were apprehended at the location, what the citations included, or how long the activity was suspected to have taken place.

Crackdown on illegal slot machines across the US

Similar seizures of slot machines and illegal gambling equipment have been seized across the US, with nearly 250 slot machines seized in Florida last month. In a drug bust in San Francisco, several illegal gambling machines were seized, thought to be part of making money for a wider criminal enterprise.

Those convicted of owning or running an illegal slot machine or gambling operation could face property seizures, steep fines, and up to five years in federal prison.

Featured image: Alameda Police Department

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