Paul Phua: The Rise and Fall of a Malaysian Bookmaking Mogul

Paul Phua, a prominent Malaysian bookmaker, was arrested by FBI agents on July 9, 2014, during the World Series of Poker. The arrest was part of a larger investigation into an alleged illegal betting network that accepted nearly $400 million in bets on the previous year's World Cup.

Phua's private jet, a Gulfstream V worth $48 million, was seized by the U.S. government as collateral. Phil Ivey, a well-known poker player, contributed $2.5 million to help Phua after his arrest.

Born in the city of Miri on the island of Borneo in Malaysia, Phua started his career in gambling by connecting with small gamblers from China in coffee shops in Kuala Lumpur. His rise to prominence coincided with the end of the 90s when the betting industry was on the brink of revolutionary changes.