In a shocking turn of events, a 28-year-old Taiwanese man, Hung Jung-Hao, pleaded guilty on 6 December to three counts under the Casino Control Act. The charges revolve around the illegal use of a device to count cards during baccarat games at the prestigious Marina Bay Sands (MBS) casino, according to Channel NewsAsia.
This revelation has brought to light a sophisticated syndicate that successfully won S$433,730 (US$324,100) over eight days of relentless gameplay.
The Genesis: From Poker Passion to a Sinister Syndicate
Hung’s Poker Affiliation
Hung, a sales manager with a keen interest in poker, met his co-accused, Chou Yu-Lun, in a Taiwan poker association. This chance encounter led them into the intricate web of a foreign syndicate.
Formation of the Syndicate
Originating from Malaysia and Taiwan, the syndicate utilized card counting as a key strategy to enhance their odds in games of 7UP Baccarat. Additionally, they employed a secret formula, an Excel sheet with coded values corresponding to cards, to manipulate the game in their favor.
The Syndicate’s Modus Operandi: A Dance of Roles and Formulas
Roles and Responsibilities
Upon arriving in Singapore, the syndicate members assumed specific roles. The marksman, stationed in a hotel room, received critical information about the game’s machine shuffler rotations and cards dealt. The sorcerer, a female member in the casino, wore an earphone connected to a mobile phone via Bluetooth, receiving instructions from the marksman and relaying them to the auxiliary and tank.
Hung’s Involvement as an Auxiliary
Assigned the role of an auxiliary, Hung engaged in small talk at the baccarat table to divert attention, allowing his girlfriend, the sorcerer, to concentrate on her responsibilities. Hung’s initiation into the scheme occurred on Dec 16, 2022, when he was taught the game and his role.
The Unfolding Drama: Wins, Intrigue, and the Formula
Hung’s Success and Curiosity
Hung participated in 8 out of 11 betting sessions, achieving a notable win of S$89,200. However, his curiosity about the formula’s workings led to encounters with other syndicate members, creating a ripple of tension.
Security Scrutiny and Arrest
Casino employees, alerted by syndicate behavior on CCTV footage, began investigating between Dec 16 and Dec 23. On Dec 24, 2022, Hung, gambling alone, was apprehended by security officers and subsequently arrested by the police. The syndicate members, suspecting his arrest, decided to flee.
Legal Consequences: Arrests, Extraditions, and Unanswered Questions
Hung’s arrest was not an isolated incident. Tan Kian Yi, another co-accused, faced a 40-month jail term after being extradited from Malaysia. The legal proceedings against 46-year-old Malaysian Chai Hee Keong are ongoing, highlighting the international scope of the syndicate.