Lawyers For Poker Player Claim Illegal Search

Lawyers for the defendants in this summer’s alleged illegal gambling bust that implicated high-stakes poker player Paul Phua are arguing that the government violated their fourth amendment rights. In other words, certain evidence must be suppressed.

Lawyers are saying it was an illegal search that led to the indictment.

Authorities raided their villa at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas in July.

The lawyers said in court documents filed this week that the government engaged in a warrant-less search before obtaining a warrant to continue the investigation. The Associated Press puts it this way: Defense lawyers say the FBI shut off Internet access to the suspects then impersonated repair technicians to get inside and collect evidence.

According to the report, a U.S. prosecutor put agents up to the task.

Lawyers filed the 54-page motion Tuesday night. It can be read below:

Motion in US v Phua et al

Phua is a well-known poker player who frequents the high-stakes cash games in Macau. He played at the WSOP in 2012 in the $1 million buy-in “Big One for One Drop.” Phua, and others, were bailed out of jail by fellow high-stakes poker players, including Phil Ivey (not accused of involvement or wrongdoing). All face hefty prison sentences if convicted.

Below is the government’s allegations against the defendants:

US v Phua

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