A Las Vegas poker player who believed a life-changing tournament win was always within reach has been arrested alongside his wife for allegedly running a $57 million luxury vehicle fraud scheme.
According to court documents, Jong Rhee, 45 — also known as John Lusso — and his wife, Neelufar Rhee, 34, were taken into custody on May 22. Investigators say the couple convinced investors to fund high-end cars and boats they claimed would be resold to wealthy buyers in Singapore for massive profits due to the country’s “import restrictions.”
Police say no such buyers existed. Instead, the Rhees allegedly used investor funds for personal spending and to pay off debts.
Last $10K Lost at WSOP
“Jong frequently gambled and played poker, especially when he and Neelufar struggled financially,” police noted. “He entered tournaments requiring large buy-ins and often spent days playing, worsening their financial situation.”
Rhee’s tournament results were minimal, earning only about $20,000 over five years, according to the Hendon Mob Database. Still, he reportedly believed a big win would end their financial problems.
By summer 2024, the couple were so desperate that Jong used their final $10,000 to buy into the World Series of Poker Main Event. After busting out, police say they turned to fraud.
Authorities allege the pair raised $57 million from investors under false pretenses to purchase seven ultra-luxury vehicles — including Bugatti, Porsche, and Rolls-Royce models — and claimed the vehicles could be resold for $2.5 billion.
The exact number of victims remains unclear due to redacted court records.
Facing 78 Felony Counts
Police say the alleged scheme was run through the couple’s businesses, Lusso Auto Spa in Las Vegas and Twisted Twins Motorsports, based in Henderson.
The couple reportedly spent $60,000 on a private jet to Missouri for a boating trip with friends — using a boat that was supposedly intended for an international buyer who did not exist.
The Rhees now face 78 felony charges, including racketeering, money laundering, and forgery. Investigators believe there may be more victims and urge anyone affected to contact authorities.
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