Judge allows defendant in Hafa Adai Bingo case to travel to South Korea

A federal judge in the U.S. District Court of Guam has approved the request of a defendant in the high-profile Hafa Adai Bingo case to travel overseas.

The accused is part of the ongoing case and her itinerary has been approved to travel South Koreadespite ongoing proceedings related to allegations of illegal gambling and money laundering.

The judge authorizes the trip of the accused Hafa Adai Bingo

Won Sun Min, one of several defendants charged in connection with the allegations illegal bingo operationwas granted permission to travel to South Korea between January 6 and 15, 2026, according to court documents.

Federal prosecutors have advanced an argument that the actions of these individuals, including Min, generated millions of dollars in revenue, violated U.S. laws governing illegal gaming businesses and their actions involved money laundering conspiracies to conceal or distribute profits.

Min has already pleaded guilty to certain charges and agreed to forfeit $930,143.07 of the illegally earned proceeds.

Min’s trip greenlit despite federal allegations

“The defendants operated Hafa Adai Bingo as an illegal gaming business by organizing bingo games, retaining and misappropriating the proceeds and proceeds from bingo,” the court filing against the defendant states.

Magistrate Judge Michael Bordallo approved the request on medical grounds, said the Pacific Daily News. The case revolves around allegations that the defendants operated an illegal gaming business under the guise of a charitable bingo operation linked to the Guam Shrine Club (GSC).

“Instead, GSC agents issued profit distributions and other checks to co-conspirator Won Sun Min (“Min”) and Defendant Marasigan. Min and Marasigan received more than $2 million and $15 million, respectively, of GSC’s bingo proceeds.”

Under federal law, an “illegal gaming business” is defined as one that violates state or territory law, involves five or more people, and remains in substantially continuous operation for more than 30 days or generates more than $2,000 in a single day.

If the federal argument is successful, Min could face up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the illegal gambling allegations.

If charged with money laundering conspiracy, there is a prison sentence of 20 years and a fine of up to $500,000, or twice the value of the laundered funds.

Featured image: Adobe Firefly

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