URGENT UPDATE: Five individuals have been arrested in Fairbanks, Alaska, following a police investigation into an alleged illegal gambling operation that was uncovered late Friday night. The Fairbanks Police Department (FPD) reports that officers discovered multiple gambling machines at two separate locations, prompting immediate action.
At 510 Old Steese Highway and 1521 Stacia Street, law enforcement officials seized over $55,000 in gambling equipment and $45,053 in cash during the operation. The FPD noted that the sites were equipped with casino-style “fish table” machines and “Fire Kirin” gambling games, indicating a significant level of organized illegal activity.
According to FPD’s press release, both locations were operating as unlicensed establishments, featuring cash-based payouts and maintaining electronic and handwritten ledgers that tracked daily wins and losses. The presence of signage outlining “house rules” further established the illicit nature of the operation.
Evidence collected from both sites revealed they were functioning together as a coordinated “illegal gambling enterprise.” FPD officials confirmed that matching financial logs and electronic spreadsheets demonstrated a unified operation between the two addresses.
The arrested individuals include Pilisega Filivaa Jr., David Irae Lefau, and Montgomery Finau Kuresa Jr., all residents of Fairbanks, along with Marley Etisone Liulama and Richard Taupea Fola from Kent, Washington. All five face multiple charges, including promoting gambling, possession of gambling records, and possession of gambling devices. Notably, Filivaa, Kuresa, and Fola also received additional charges.
This operation highlights a significant crackdown on illegal gambling in the region and raises concerns about the prevalence of such activities in Fairbanks. The police department is urging community members to report any suspicious gambling operations they may encounter.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to provide further updates on the case. The FPD is committed to ensuring that illegal gambling activities do not take root in the community, emphasizing the importance of lawful gaming practices.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as more information may emerge regarding the implications of these arrests and the ongoing investigation into illegal gambling in Fairbanks.
