Paul Phua has left the country.
It didn’t take long for the wealthy Malaysian businessman and poker player to leave Las Vegas after a federal judge dismissed conspiracy and illegal gambling charges against him.
The case against Phua was based on a FBI raid on an alleged illegal online betting operation at Caesars Palace.
Federal authorities said the World Cup betting ring was run out of villas at Caesars Palace last summer.
U.S. District Judge Andrew Gordon dismissed the case after prosecutors admitted there wasn’t enough evidence.
Prosecutors lost the bulk of their case when the Gordon said they couldn’t’ use evidence gathered in the days before the raid. The judge said the evidence was gathered with unintentional “false and misleading statements.”
The FBI cut Internet connection to the villas being used by Phua, then posed as repairmen to get access and gather evidence.
Five other defendants in the case already pleaded guilty, including Phua’s son Darren.
David Chesnoff, attorney for the defendants, talked to KNPR’s State of Nevada about the case.
"Where they went wrong was they decided to conduct an investigation and arrest somebody by using unconstitutional practices," Chesnoff said.
He said the case threatened the rights everyone in the country because of the "novel" way agents collected evidence.
"I'm thankful that we have a very well reasoned opinion that will give guidance to law enforcement" Chesnoff said.
He said the case against his client is ostensibly put to rest, but says he can't speak to what the government will do.
David Chesnoff, Phua attorney