Skokians Connected to Large Gambling, Drug, Racketeering Ring

Law enforcement broke up an international gambling and drug ring with local operations in Southeast Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, and 24 people face federal charges in connection with the illegal operation.

At least two people charged were from Skokie, including An N. Nguyen, 34 and Huy Han, 33. United States Attorney James L. Santelle announced Thursday morning that the defendants are charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, operating an illegal gambling business and interstate travel in aid of a racketeering enterprise. The arrests were made on May 24.

A simple tip led to the year-long investigation, Santelle said, which culminated Tuesday with more than 150 law enforcement officers from multiple state and local agencies executing search warrants and arresting 23 people in Southeast Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, Los Angeles and Minneapolis-Saint Paul. One person, from Los Angeles, is still at large.

The investigation discovered more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana were being sent by courier from Seattle and British Columbia to the Midwest, and that couriers were used to take gambling proceeds back to Seattle.

The defendants are accused of managing a sophisticated sports betting operation that generated tens of thousands of dollars each week. More than 35 people have been federally indicted in connection with the related investigations.

Officials have seized about $1.3 million, 25 pounds of marijuana, marijuana packaging materials, drug and gambling ledgers, two firearms, a bullet proof vest, jewelry worth more than $250,000 and vehicles worth more than $250,000.

Once more information becomes available Skokie Patch will update.