Key Moments:
- Twenty-three Chinese investors filed a $13.4 million lawsuit in July 2025 in New York against Tinian casino developers.
- The lawsuit alleges investors were misled through inaccurate promotional materials and false promises related to the casino resort.
- The planned $130 million Titanic-themed casino resort never advanced beyond initial planning and remains incomplete.
Investor Lawsuit Targets Tinian Casino Developers
The Northern Mariana Islands have sought to bolster their economy through casino development, but new legal troubles have emerged. According to Marianas Variety, Chinese plaintiffs have initiated a $13.4 million lawsuit in New York, accusing the developers of a casino project on Tinian of misleading them.
In July 2025, twenty-three Chinese investors brought an 81-page legal complaint before the New York State Supreme Court. The group, linked with the American Northern Marianas Economic Development Fund LLC, asserts they were convinced to invest $12.1 million plus additional fees in a project that never went beyond planning stages. Their allegations span fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, negligent misrepresentation, conversion, unjust enrichment, and legal malpractice. Solicitor Justin M. Sher of Sher Tremonte LLP is handling the case for the investors.
Key Defendants Named in the Complaint
The lawsuit identifies Xianjun Meng and Silvia Siu as major defendants. Meng held the positions of managing director of the American Northern Marianas Regional Centre and CEO of Bridge Investment Group LLC. Both Meng and Siu are also linked to Canbo International Group Ltd., a Hong Kong-based immigration firm that managed investor recruitment. New York solicitors Jin An and Samuel Newbold are additionally named in the suit.
Allegations of Investor Misrepresentation
The investors’ lawsuit states they were deceived by marketing materials with false construction images, unfeasible visa timelines, and promised financial projections that were not achieved. The complaint further asserts that no bank financing was secured, the casino license was not used as collateral, and the project valuation was inflated.
The casino project was tied to the U.S. EB-5 visa program, which grants residency to foreign investors who finance job-creating ventures. The developers presented the project as EB-5 eligible, requiring a minimum investment of $500,000 plus fees for a potential return and access to U.S. residency. Plaintiffs allege these promises were not delivered.
Tinian Ocean View Resort and Casino Falls Short
Tinian, a part of the Northern Mariana Islands, was earmarked for a casino resort intended to spur economic growth and job creation. Among the announced ventures was the $130 million Tinian Ocean View Resort and Casino, which featured a Titanic-inspired theme. Plans called for a 385,000 square feet facility with hotel, dining, wellness, retail, and ferry connectivity. However, the project did not proceed beyond planning and is currently embroiled in legal dispute.
| Project | Investment Sought | Features | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tinian Ocean View Resort and Casino | $130 million | Hotel, mid-range accommodation, dining, wellness centers, shopping, ferry link, Titanic-themed casino | Unfinished; subject of lawsuit |
Recurring Challenges for Northern Mariana Islands Casinos
The region has faced consistent setbacks in its casino initiatives. On Saipan, the Imperial Pacific International project ceased operations amid various legal challenges, such as labor disputes, unpaid taxes, and federal investigations.
Local casino ventures have stumbled due to insufficient infrastructure, underdeveloped regulatory oversight, and reliance on foreign capital. Observers contend that government oversight is lacking, allowing projects to begin without adequate safeguards and accountability. Despite these obstacles and recurring failures, similar strategies persist in the territory.
Obstacles for Future Casino Investment
Tinian faces significant hurdles in matching established gambling hubs. The island’s limited airport capacity and infrastructure shortfalls impede the development of major casino resorts. The complaint claims the defendants have not issued statements in response to the allegations. Investors contend they did not recover their investments, missed out on promised visas, and witnessed the resort project stall completely.
- Author
Daniel Williams
