Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Gujarat Man Pleads Guilty in $9.36 Million Gambling Racket
Sunilkumar Patel is a 53-year-old Indian national of Gujarati origin who lives in New York.
He pleaded guilty in a federal court in Missouri.
Prosecutors said he helped run an illegal gambling operation.
The operation used six businesses that looked like arcades.
These businesses were described as amusement, skill-game and adult arcades.
Investigators said they actually offered gambling devices, slot machines and contests of chance.
Patel admitted to charges involving fraud, illegal gambling and hiding money from the operation.
His guilty plea was the first major development involving him since a broad indictment was filed.
Sunilkumar Patel, 53, pleaded guilty last week in federal court in Missouri.
He admitted to charges involving wire fraud, illegal gambling and money laundering.
Six Missouri businesses were presented as amusement, skill-game and adult arcades.
Federal investigators said the businesses operated gambling devices, slot machines and contests of chance.
The alleged operation generated more than $9.36 million, according to investigators.
- Who
- Sunilkumar Patel, 53, an Indian national of Gujarati origin living in New York, and his co-conspirators.
- What
- Patel pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy and wire fraud, illegal gambling, and conspiracy to commit and committing money laundering.
- When
- Patel pleaded guilty last week, according to the reports.
- Where
- The plea took place in federal court in Missouri; the six businesses operated in Missouri.
- Why
- Investigators said the businesses concealed gambling activities by presenting themselves as amusement and skill-based gaming venues.
- Defendant
- Sunilkumar Patel, 53
- Businesses involved
- Six Missouri businesses
- Reported proceeds
- More than $9.36 million
- Business descriptions
- Internet amusement arcades, skill-game arcades and adult arcades
- Alleged activities
- Contests of chance, gambling devices and slot machines
- Plea location
- Federal court in Missouri
- Plea charges
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering
