After being named in an indictment related to an alleged illegal gambling operation in Northwest Indiana, Andrew Nguyen found himself barred from gambling by a judge. This restriction is also applied to the other 21 defendants involved in the case. Nguyen’s lawyer recently revealed in court filings that Nguyen was not only involved in the gambling activities but was also a victim of extortion.
U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred announced charges against 22 individuals, including conspiracy and extortion, following a detailed investigation into illegal gambling activities at two local restaurants. The operation, allegedly led by James “Jimmy the Greek” Gerodemos and Dean “Dean Gem” Gialamas, is accused of utilizing aggressive means to recover gambling debts.
The indictment paints a picture of a web involving bookies and bettors intercepted by alleged enforcers.
The leaders reportedly ran the ring out of Gino’s Steakhouse in Merrillville and Paragon in Hobart. All defendants have pleaded not guilty to the federal charges. Court documents highlight attempts by the organization to intimidate two men, identified as Victim 1 and Victim 3, to retrieve owed money. Nguyen is identified as Victim 3, accusing Gerodemos of sending threatening messages regarding a $7,500 debt.
Filings allege that Gerodemos attempted to extort money from Nguyen using threats. Nguyen’s lawyer stated that his client’s only connection to Gerodemos was a single text message sent back in February 2024.
Federal prosecutors aim to file a superseding RICO indictment and are pushing to have Gialamas back in custody, describing him as equal to Gerodemos in terms of criminal activity. Prosecutors mention Gialamas as having substantial unexplained assets, suggesting a significant flight risk.
A separate incident highlights Gialamas’s involvement in an extortion scheme where his associate, referred to as Prisoner A, deceived Victim 1 into believing a cartel financed Gialamas’s debt collection attempts.
The government has also gathered significant evidence from various sources, including Gialamas’s iCloud account, interviews, recordings, phone data, and bank records. They even wiretapped one of Gialamas’ phones as part of their investigation. Gialamas is quoted expressing frustration and giving license for physical intimidation on those owing money.
In other developments, attorneys for co-defendant Basam Ibrahim are seeking his release while authorities oppose this bid.
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