NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Atlanta, GA, May 28, 2026 – A Georgia resident has pleaded guilty in connection with a multimillion-dollar illegal gambling and money laundering conspiracy operating across southwest Missouri, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Tushar R. Patel, 40, an Indian national residing in Georgia, entered guilty pleas in federal court in Springfield, Missouri, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Federal prosecutors said Patel and his co-conspirators obtained approximately $9.5 million in gross proceeds through illegal gambling operations disguised as internet amusement arcades, skill game arcades, and adult arcades.
According to court documents, the gambling businesses operated at multiple locations in southwest Missouri between July 2022 and May 2025. Authorities said the businesses offered contests of chance, gambling devices, and slot machines in violation of both Missouri and federal law. The group also hired local employees to work at the establishments.
Patel was among nine individuals charged in a 72-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield on May 14, 2025. Prosecutors said all nine defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, and operating illegal gambling businesses. Additional charges included wire fraud and money laundering.
Through his guilty plea, Patel admitted participating in financial transactions intended to launder proceeds from the illegal operations.
Under federal law, Patel faces up to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, up to five years for conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, and up to 20 years for conspiracy to commit money laundering. Federal sentences are determined by the court based on sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled pending a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by multiple agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Springfield Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and several local law enforcement agencies across Missouri.
The Justice Department said the prosecution was part of broader federal fraud enforcement efforts under the Trump administration and the recently created National Fraud Enforcement Division.
