FBI Offers $150,000 Reward for Michael Lizaso Marasigan After $34 Million Guam Fraud Scheme
Convicted Fraud Fugitive
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Michael Lizaso Marasigan, who is wanted for violating the conditions of his pretrial release. Marasigan was convicted in connection with an illegal gambling, money laundering, and fraud operation involving the Guam Shrine Club’s Hafa Adai Bingo. According to the FBI, the operation generated at least $34 million in bingo proceeds while patrons were told their money would help transport children to Hawaii for medical care.
Charity Claims Made to Bingo Patrons
From March 2015 through December 31, 2021, Marasigan and his co-conspirators operated a scheme involving patrons of Hafa Adai Bingo in Guam. According to federal authorities, patrons were told that funds generated through the operation would be used to transport children to Shriners Hospital for Children in Hawaii. The transportation was represented as helping children obtain needed medical care.
Federal investigators determined that substantial amounts of money were instead diverted away from the stated charitable purpose. The operation ultimately generated at least $34 million in bingo proceeds. The handling of those funds became central to the federal criminal prosecution.
Only known photograph currently available.
More Than $10 Million Diverted
According to the FBI, money raised through the operation was supposed to support the nonprofit organization’s children's transportation fund. Instead, authorities determined that Marasigan and other defendants laundered funds and diverted approximately $10.75 million for themselves and others. The scheme therefore involved both illegal gambling proceeds and the misuse of money represented as benefiting children.
The scale of the diverted funds resulted in a substantial federal financial crime investigation. Prosecutors pursued charges involving illegal gambling, wire fraud, and money laundering. Marasigan was eventually brought to trial and found guilty.
Found Guilty in Federal Court
In May 2025, Marasigan was found guilty of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, money laundering conspiracy, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The convictions established his criminal responsibility for the offenses through the federal court process. He remained subject to court requirements while awaiting the completion of the case.
Marasigan subsequently received court authorization to travel internationally. That permission ultimately preceded his disappearance and the issuance of another federal warrant. His case then became a fugitive investigation.
Permitted to Travel to Philippines
Marasigan filed for and received a stipulation allowing him to travel to the Philippines for medical reasons. The court authorization required him to return within the conditions established for his travel. According to the FBI, Marasigan failed to return on the required date.
Authorities also report that Marasigan ceased communicating with the court in June 2025. His failure to return and subsequent loss of contact resulted in authorities pursuing him for violating the conditions of his release. A federal arrest warrant followed later that month.
Federal Arrest Warrant Issued
On June 25, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Guam in Hagåtña issued a federal arrest warrant for Marasigan. He was charged with violation of conditions of pretrial release. Federal authorities have continued seeking him since the warrant was issued.
Marasigan’s international connections are particularly relevant to the continuing search. The FBI reports that he has ties to both Guam and the Philippines. Authorities are seeking information that could establish where he traveled or lived after failing to return as required.
Sentenced to More Than 21 Years
Marasigan remained absent as the federal case proceeded. On May 18, 2026, he was sentenced in absentia to 262 months in federal prison, equivalent to 21 years and 10 months. The sentence followed his May 2025 convictions in the underlying fraud, gambling, and money laundering case.
The court also imposed significant financial penalties. Marasigan was ordered to pay $10,750,804 in joint and several restitution to the Aloha Shriners, along with a $5,871,493 money judgment forfeiture. He was additionally ordered to pay a $6,500 mandatory assessment.
Dual U.S.-Philippine Citizen
According to the FBI, Marasigan is a dual citizen of the United States and the Philippines. He holds passports from both countries and has established ties to Guam and the Philippines. Those connections are significant because he was permitted to travel to the Philippines before failing to return.
Individuals who have encountered Marasigan in the Philippines or elsewhere since June 2025 may possess information useful to investigators. Information concerning residences, employment, businesses, associates, travel, or other connections could help authorities establish his current location. Any credible information should be provided directly to law enforcement.
FBI Offers $150,000 Reward
The FBI is offering up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Michael Lizaso Marasigan. The reward is part of the continuing effort to locate him following his failure to return to court supervision. His connections to the Philippines may be particularly important to the investigation.
Members of the public should not attempt to independently locate or apprehend Marasigan. Information concerning his whereabouts, associates, travel, or activities should instead be provided through official FBI or other appropriate law-enforcement channels. Authorities can evaluate potential sightings and take the necessary action.
FBI Seeks Public Assistance
Anyone with information concerning Michael Lizaso Marasigan or his current whereabouts is encouraged to contact the FBI. Information concerning his movements in the Philippines, his ties to Guam, or where he has lived since June 2025 could assist investigators. Marasigan has already been convicted and sentenced to 262 months in federal prison, and the FBI is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
