11 indicted in casino-cheating scheme

San Diego – Eleven people accused by the federal government of taking part in an organized ring of casino cheaters have been indicted by a federal grand jury here on conspiracy and racketeering charges.

The indictment, unsealed Thursday and announced Friday by the U.S. Attorney’s office, accuses the 11 of targeting a dozen casinos across the United States, including five Indian casinos.
Two of those indicted are from San Diego County – Bryan Arce, 30, of Chula Vista; and Don man Duong, 48, of San Diego.

The two are each accused of one count of conspiracy to commit multiple federal offenses, including conspiracy to steal money and property from Indian tribal casinos, and conspiracy to travel in interstate and foreign commerce to aid racketeering.

According to the indictment, the 11 defendants belong to a ring known as the Tran Organization, which traveled the country from March 2002 through July 2007, rigging games of blackjack and mini-baccarat.