FUKUOKA (TR) – Fukuoka Prefectural Police on Saturday busted a baccarat casino operating illegally in Hakata Ward, reports the Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 8).
At approximately 3:00 a.m., officers raided casino Baccarat, located in the Nakasu red-light district, and arrested Meguru Yashima, the 41-year-old manager, and 15 male and female dealers for operating a wagering facility for profit between December of last year and January.
Police also seized baccarat tables and three million yen in cash. Three customers were also taken into custody on charges of illegal gambling.
Yashima and three dealers have denied the allegations while the remaining suspects have admitted to the charges.
Police believe that revenue from the operation was being used to fund organized crime.