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Michael Lizaso Marasigan
Michael Lizaso Marasigan is a name that stands out in the FBI’s white-collar crime files.
Once a resident of Guam, Marasigan became the subject of federal attention for his role in a sophisticated scheme that exploited a charitable bingo operation.
This dossier explores the details of the case, the crimes involved, and why authorities continue to seek him.
The Guam Bingo Charity Scam
At the heart of the case is the Hafa Adai Bingo hall operated by the Guam Shrine Club.
The bingo games were marketed as a way to raise money for a noble cause: transporting children in need to the Shriners’ Hospital for Children in Hawaii for specialized medical care.
Patrons played with the understanding that their money supported this charitable mission.
Between 2015 and 2021, the operation brought in at least $34 million in proceeds.
However, investigators discovered that Marasigan and his co-conspirators diverted approximately $10.75 million of those funds for personal gain and other unauthorized purposes.
Instead of going toward helping children, large sums were laundered through various channels, enriching the individuals involved rather than the nonprofit’s transportation fund.
This type of fraud strikes at public trust.
Charity-based gaming relies on community goodwill, and misrepresenting how funds are used undermines legitimate philanthropic efforts everywhere.
The Charges And Conviction
Marasigan faced serious federal charges, including:
- Conspiracy to Operate an Illegal Gambling Business
- Money Laundering Conspiracy
- Money Laundering
- Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
After a trial, he was found guilty on multiple counts.
The scheme’s scale, millions diverted over several years, highlighted organized planning and execution.
Following the conviction, Marasigan obtained the court’s permission to travel to the Philippines for medical reasons.
He failed to return as required and cut off contact with authorities, prompting a federal arrest warrant for violation of pretrial release conditions.
The FBI now lists him as a fugitive, noting he should be considered an escape risk.
Physical Description And Background
Marasigan has strong ties to both Guam and the Philippines.
As a dual citizen of the United States and the Philippines, he holds passports from both countries and speaks English and Tagalog fluently.
Here is a clear overview of his identifying details:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’0″ |
| Weight | 195 pounds |
| Hair | Black |
| Eyes | Brown |
| Race | Asian/Pacific Islander |
| Sex | Male |
| Nationality | Filipino (dual US citizen) |
| Place of Birth | Philippines |
| Date of Birth | April 6, 1977 |
| Languages | English, Tagalog |
Authorities believe he may be in the Philippines or could attempt to move between the two countries.
Interesting Trivia
One striking detail about the case is the sheer volume of money involved: the bingo hall generated over $34 million in total proceeds. It is a reminder of how lucrative seemingly small-scale community gaming can become, and how tempting it can be to misuse it when oversight is lacking.
Why This Case Matters
White-collar crimes like this one often fly under the radar compared to violent offenses, but their impact is profound.
Victims here were not just the charity and the children who could have benefited; they included every patron who played bingo, believing they were helping a good cause.
Cases like Marasigan’s highlight the importance of transparency in charitable gaming and fundraising.
The FBI continues to seek information on his whereabouts.
Anyone with tips is encouraged to contact authorities safely and anonymously if needed.
We hope this dossier sheds light on a complex and troubling case.
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