Gangster Wins $364K From Poker Tournament, Arrested For Slaying

Poker News - November 26th, 2009 - Written by Glen

Sophon Sek, 30, was recently arrested for his part in the Surrey Six slayings. This comes just one day after taking home a prize of $364,000 dollars from the 2009 BC Poker Championships in British Columbia.

After plowing through a field of nearly eight hundred players, Sek hoped to walk away with the money. Instead, he walked away with an arrest. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police had informed the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation that the winner, Sek, was wanted for his involvement in the Surrey Six slayings, which had taken place in 2007. The RCMP requested, according to the Vice-President of the GCGC, Howard Blank, that his winnings be withheld.

Sophon, who allegedly has ties to the Red Scorpions, a Canadian Gang, was accused of allowing the killers in the shooting access to the tower in which six people, as well as two bystanders, lost their lives. He is currently being charged with manslaughter and is the sixth arrest made in the case.

Through this happening, we learn one lesson - crime does not pay. Sophon Sek will most likely not receive his winnings, as they have not yet been released. Sek's court appearance is scheduled for November 30th, and very few details have been released on the matter. Sek's criminal history also includes several varieties of weapons charges, including carrying a concealed weapon and possessing a restricted fire arm.

Thankfully, USA Online Poker Rooms have no concerns such as this, and will never withhold winnings from any player other than the most heinous of cheaters, which there are few.