The FBI has placed a convicted illegal gambling operator on its most wanted list after he failed to return to the US following a guilty verdict tied to a multimillion-dollar charity fraud scheme.
Michael Lizaso Marasigan, a dual US-Philippines citizen, was found guilty in May 2025 of operating an illegal gambling business, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Prosecutors said Marasigan ran an unlawful bingo operation that generated approximately US$34 million, while falsely claiming proceeds would benefit a children’s hospital in Hawaii.
Instead, authorities allege Marasigan and his co-conspirators diverted around US$10.7 million for personal use.
Flight after conviction triggers manhunt
Following the verdict, Marasigan requested permission to travel to the Philippines for medical treatment. He had previously been allowed to do so during the case, but not after conviction. Despite this, he left the US and failed to return in June 2025, breaching the terms of his pretrial release.
According to court records, Marasigan told his probation officer he had missed a flight and would return the following day. That message was his final communication with authorities.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has since added him to its most wanted list, citing the scale of the fraud and his status as a fugitive.
Scheme generated nearly $11m in profit
Marasigan was charged alongside Christine Chan and Jose Arthur “Art” Chan Jr., a married couple who were indicted in May 2023. All three were convicted on every count after a five-day jury deliberation in spring 2025.
An IRS special agent testified that the bingo scheme, operated through the Guam Shrine Club, produced at least US$34 million in gross revenue over six years. After expenses and payouts, prosecutors said the operation generated approximately US$10.9 million in profit.
The defendants told players that bingo proceeds would fund travel for children receiving treatment at Shriners Hospital in Hawaii. The court found that players were misled and that the funds were instead siphoned off for personal benefit.
Courts reject post-trial challenges
After conviction, the defendants sought a new trial, arguing prosecutors had changed their theory of the case. The court rejected the claim.
They also alleged juror misconduct after jurors gave a thank-you card to court staff and the judge. The defence argued the wording suggested jurors had prejudged the case. The court ruled the card was innocuous and not prejudicial.
At a hearing on 3 November 2025, the US government asked the District Court of Guam to order forfeiture of roughly US$7 million, including nearly US$5.6 million from Marasigan. Sentencing has not yet taken place.