The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office has announced a significant development in their fight against unlicensed gambling operations. In a statement released today, details emerged of 15 indictments against two individuals accused of running illegal casinos in Chinatown and Quincy. Xue Tan Zheng, 50, and Xiu Rong Li, 55, both hailing from Braintree, face multiple charges, including money laundering and tax evasion.
According to the information provided by the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, the indictments come as a result of an extensive two-year investigation spearheaded by the Commonwealth’s Illegal Tobacco Task Force. It was revealed that since 2022, the duo operated two illegal gambling establishments: one located at 299 Newport Avenue, Quincy and the other, at 32B Oxford Street, Boston. These venues allegedly provided gaming tables and slot machines with cash payouts, and trafficked unstamped cigarettes.
The comprehensive investigation, which involved several authorities including the Massachusetts State Police Detective’s Unit and the Department of Revenue’s Criminal Investigation Bureau, led to a search warrant executed in September 2024. This action resulted in the seizure of vast quantities of illegal tobacco products, gaming machines, and a significant amount of U.S. currency, amounting to an approximate value of $6,000,0000. Furthermore, evidence reviewed also indicated that Zheng and Li underreported their taxable income for the years 2022 and 2023.
The case is currently being handled by Assistant Attorney General Keri Angus, backed by a team that includes financial and intelligence analysts from the Gaming Enforcement Division of the AGO. In their efforts to dismantle the alleged illegal operation, state and local police departments from Boston, Quincy, and Lexington have also contributed, as have the AGO’s own Fair Labor Division and Victim Services.
While the charges presently stand as allegations, Li and Zheng are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
