[email protected] WAILUKU – A Kahului man, described as the “linchpin” in an illegal sports betting operation, was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and was placed on four years’ probation Thursday. Paul Vargas, 70, had $2,200 in cash and his 2015 Dodge Ram truck forfeited to the state. The money and vehicle were seized when Maui Police Department officers executed search warrants for Vargas and his property in 2015, said Deputy Prosecutor Mike Kagami. He said betting sheets and other gambling records were found in the truck. “During the MPD operation, Mr. Vargas was seen operating this truck while engaged in these gambling activities,” Kagami said in asking for the truck to be forfeited.