An ongoing investigation has uncovered more details about Goldstein’s tax evasion
Poker player and attorney Tom Goldstein has suffered another legal setback in his ongoing tax fraud case. A federal judge recently denied his motion to suppress statements he made to airport officials in 2018 regarding a duffel bag containing nearly $1 million in cash. Prosecutors allege that Goldstein, who frequently played in high-stakes poker games worldwide, attempted to misrepresent the origin of the funds to US authorities.
According to court filings, Goldstein arrived in Washington, D.C. from Hong Kong in October 2018 carrying $968,000, which he initially described to TSA officers as poker winnings. Later, he reported the amount to the IRS as a loan, a move prosecutors say was part of a broader effort to conceal millions in gambling income. Goldstein’s legal team argued that his statements should be thrown out, claiming he was not read his Miranda rights during questioning.
On October 7, US District Judge Lydia Kay Griggsby rejected that argument, ruling that Goldstein was not in custody at the time and therefore not entitled to Miranda warnings. The decision allows prosecutors to use his statements as evidence during the upcoming trial. The court also denied Goldstein’s request to dismiss several charges on the grounds of the statute of limitations, stating that such claims must be raised during trial proceedings.
The ruling follows a superseding indictment filed two months ago that added new allegations but no additional charges. Prosecutors claim Goldstein attempted to discourage a firm manager from cooperating with the IRS by offering financial incentives, including cryptocurrency payments. He continues to deny all accusations.
Goldstein, accused of failing to report millions in poker winnings—allegedly totaling up to $50 million—has pleaded not guilty to all counts. His trial is scheduled to begin January 13, 2026, in the US District Court for Maryland’s Southern Division, where he will face multiple counts of tax-related offenses.
