Big Island police and federal agents on Wednesday morning arrested seven people in connection with an illegal gambling operation at an Anini Street residence in Kailua-Kona.
Big Island police and federal agents on Wednesday morning arrested seven people in connection with an illegal gambling operation at an Anini Street residence in Kailua-Kona.
FBI and Internal Revenue Services Criminal Investigations agents, along with members of the Hawaii Police Department’s Special Response Team, took part in the joint operation at the home located off Hina Lani Street, said FBI Special Agent Tom Simon, who is based in Honolulu. About two dozen officers were at the scene until shortly after 8 a.m.
Simon said the seven people at the home were arrested on warrants for allegedly operating an illegal gambling business in the Kona area. An eighth person, who resides in Arizona, was also charged in connection with the “criminal conspiracy,” he said. Their names, ages and the charges they face were not immediately available.
The arrests took place without incident and no injuries were reported. The seven people in custody are being transported to Honolulu where they will make their initial court appearances Thursday morning, Simon said.
West Hawaii Today will provide more information as it comes available.