NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT

Atlanta, GA, July 27, 2025: A federal grand jury has indicted 9 people accused of taking part in an unlawful playing conspiracy working throughout six areas in southwest Missouri. 4 of these charged are Georgia residents, in keeping with federal prosecutors.

The 72-count superseding indictment, returned on Might 14, 2025, names Manishkumar M. Patel, 44, of Georgia; Mitulkumar M. Barot, 40, of Georgia; Tushar R. Patel, 39, of Georgia; and Mohammed Iphtekar Ali Ajgar, 50, additionally of Georgia, alongside 5 others from Washington, New York, Colorado, Arkansas, and India. The indictment replaces an earlier one filed in December 2024 in opposition to Rahulkumar D. Patel, 40, of Washington, including further fees and defendants.

Federal authorities allege the defendants had been concerned in working unlawful playing operations at a number of Missouri areas. Particulars of the precise actions haven’t been disclosed publicly, however prosecutors stated the alleged conspiracy impacted native communities and economies the place the operations had been primarily based.

In keeping with the indictment, the defendants ran unlawful playing companies underneath the guise of web amusement arcade video games, ability sport arcades, and grownup arcades.

The federal indictment fees all 9 defendants with one rely every of taking part in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to function an unlawful playing enterprise, and working unlawful playing companies from July 1, 2022, to Might 13, 2025. Along with the conspiracy counts, all 9 defendants had been charged with at the least one rely of wire fraud, and eight defendants had been charged with conspiracy to commit cash laundering.

“Unlawful playing operations have an effect on the residents of the neighborhoods and communities the place they’re situated in addition to the native financial system,” stated Performing United States Lawyer Jeff Ray in a press release. “This case is an instance of what might be completed when regulation enforcement companies work collectively to sort out organized prison exercise.”

The superseding indictment was unsealed in July following a number of arrests forward of arraignments scheduled for July 23 and 24 in federal court docket in Springfield, Missouri.

The defendants face a number of fees, and if convicted, potential penalties may embrace important jail time and fines.

Cowl picture: Tushar R. Patel of Georgia.