KAHULUI - Police reported seizing 20 desktop computers used as gaming devices, along with records and cash, in an investigation of a business using illegal gaming machines.
Vice gambling officers, assisted by the police Criminal Intelligence Unit, executed search warrants Sept. 5 at Gold Buyers in Paradise in the Kahului Shopping Center.
Police said the search resulted from an investigation lasting several months into the operation of illegal gaming machines at the business. The business tried to disguise the illegal gaming by saying customers were buying Internet time and not buying points or credits to gamble, according to police.
The business also said no purchase was necessary to play the sweepstakes or any of the other 23 games, according to police.
Over the summer, Gold Buyers in Paradise had advertised "totally legal sweepstakes games" and "all electronic slot machines, poker, keno, blackjack at jackpots." In its advertisements, the business said it was open until 2 a.m. daily.
As a result of the search last month, police reported seizing the 20 desktop computers, records and $5,243 in cash. Police are seeking to have the computers analyzed by the FBI.
Two women and two men were arrested and released pending further investigation.
The Gold Buyers in Paradise storefront appeared to be empty Friday. A phone number for the business was disconnected.
