Bingo Operator Lands a Spot on the FBI Most Wanted List in 2026

If there were a prediction market for the most unlikely new addition to the FBI’s most wanted list in 2026, you would not have been able to pay me to bet on it having anything to do with bingo.

Historically, bingo has been the playground of silver foxes at retirement homes and church-run gaming evenings. Then, in the mid-2000s, there was a move in the UK to make it “cool” enough to attract young women. Campaigns focused on it being fun, easy, and lighthearted enough to enjoy before,  or even after, a roaring night out on the town.

 Bingo Crosses into Bad Boys Territory

It might have taken close to twenty years, but it looks like bingo is finally shedding its good-girl persona and adopting a bad-boy vibe, thanks to Michael Lizaso Marasigan. 

Marasigan, who holds dual American and Philippine citizenship, was flagged by the IRS for bingo-related charity fraud. Bypassing the licensing requirements for running a bingo room by promising the proceeds to the Shrine’s Hospital for Children in Hawaii allowed the ne’er-do-well to rake in more than $34 million over six years.

The Hafa Adai Bingo scheme is believed to netted Marasigan and his cohorts, Christine and Jose Arthur Chan Jr., a profit of approximately $10.7 million after operating costs and player payouts - sadly, not a single penny ever reached the Hawaiian children’s hospital.

 Slow and Steady Fools the Court

While the erstwhile Bingo Bandito was not slick enough to avoid arrest or a trial, he was conniving enough to play on the sympathy of the court by requesting permission to travel to the Philippines for medical attention.

During the legal proceedings, bingo bandit lulled the courts into trusting him by making the trip three times, always returning in good time and making all of his court appearances with ease.

It looks like the defendant was gambling that this positive repetition would dull any suspicion of his true motive - sketching out an escape plan in case his hearing went poorly.

 Catch Me if You Can: Filipino Edition

As it turns out, laying out the cards in his favour was the smart play. According to a letter handed to the judge by the jurors, Marasigan’s camp claimed they had “formed an opinion about the case before reaching the verdict”.

In response, the bingo bamboozler chose not to return to the USA on time after his third “medical” visit to the Philippines. When pressed about his whereabouts by his probation officer, he claimed to have missed his flight and guaranteed he would catch one the following morning.

That conversation took place in June 2025, and no one has heard from him since, prompting the FBI to place him on its most wanted list.

As per the November 2025 court ruling, the charity con artist will be required to cough up $7 million and then also spend some time behind bars. The exact duration of his incarceration will only be determined when he is brought to justice.