Filipino Michael Lizaso Marasigan Wanted by FBI Over Bingo Scam

Federal authorities are escalating efforts to locate a convicted fraud figure tied to a long running charity bingo operation that prosecutors say deceived players and never delivered promised medical support.

Good to Know

• The FBI added Michael Lizaso Marasigan to its most wanted list
• Prosecutors say a bingo scheme diverted about $10.7 million
• No funds reached the claimed medical charity in Hawaii

FBI Adds Bingo Fraud Figure to Most Wanted List

The FBI has placed Michael Lizaso Marasigan on its most wanted list following his disappearance after conviction in a large scale illegal bingo case. Prosecutors accused Marasigan of running a scheme that raised millions while claiming to support medical travel for sick children in Hawaii.

Marasigan holds dual United States and Philippines citizenship. Authorities say he told participants in the Hafa Adai Bingo operation that proceeds would help send children to Shriners Hospital for Children in Hawaii. Court filings describe a very different outcome.

According to prosecutors, Marasigan and others laundered the funds and redirected about $10.7 million for personal use.

How the Hafa Adai Bingo Operation Worked

The bingo operation ran from 2015 through 2021 under the banner of the Guam Shrine Club. Over six years, the scheme generated roughly $34 million in gross proceeds.

After accounting for payouts and operating expenses, federal investigators determined that nearly $11 million flowed to Marasigan and his co conspirators rather than any charitable cause.

Christine Chan and Jose Arthur Art Chan Jr. were indicted alongside Marasigan in May 2023. A jury convicted all three on every count in May 2025 after five days of deliberation.

Federal authorities stated during trial proceedings: “The evidence clearly shows the defendants misled players and profited personally from a scheme that claimed to help sick children.”

Conviction Followed by Disappearance

After the guilty verdict, Marasigan requested permission to travel to the Philippines for medical treatment. Courts had approved similar requests earlier in the case.

However, Marasigan failed to return in June 2025. He told his probation officer that he missed a flight, then stopped responding altogether. That communication became the final contact before a federal arrest warrant was issued.

Since then, Marasigan has remained at large.

Courts Begin Asset Recovery Process

While sentencing has not yet occurred, the court has taken steps to recover illicit proceeds tied to the case.

Authorities moved to reclaim nearly $5.6 million from Marasigan. Additional recovery efforts target $871,500 from Christine Chan and $339,013 from Art Chan.

Those actions remain ongoing as the case continues through post conviction phases.

Defense Challenges Rejected by Court

Following conviction, Marasigan and the Chan co defendants pursued several legal challenges. Defense filings argued that prosecutors shifted their theory during trial and alleged juror misconduct.

One motion focused on a thank you card sent by jurors to court staff. Judges rejected both arguments, ruling the card harmless and leaving the convictions intact.

With appeals unsuccessful and Marasigan missing, federal authorities elevated the case by adding him to the FBI most wanted list.

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