Malaysian Police Were Wrong Regarding Paul Phua 14K Triad Connections

Officials are pointing the finger at Malaysian police for “getting it wrong” about gambling czar and poker pro Paul Phua’s alleged involvement with the Hong Kong-based transnational organized criminal outfit 14K Triad.

Malaysia Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was prompted to write a letter to the FBI on December 18 clarifying the apparent police “error”.  Malaysian police had notified the FBI of Phua’s alleged membership back in 2008.

Phua, through his attorneys, has denied any ties to the criminal organization.

He and his son Darren were charged this past summer with operating a World Cup betting ring out of a Las Vegas resort.  Six others were also charged for their involvement in the alleged scheme but have since entered guilty pleas.  The father-son-tandem have opted to fight the allegations with a hearing scheduled in the coming weeks.

“I think, because the mistake is very big, it affects people’s liberty, (therefore), the minister found it quite necessary to correct the situation,” high profile Umno lawyer Shafee was quoted as saying.

- Ace King, Gambling911.com