Houston law enforcement has successfully dismantled a major illegal gambling and money laundering ring operating in the region. Officers charged 16 people and seized assets totaling $16m as part of “Operation Double Down.” They also arrested 31 undocumented immigrants on a host of firearm and immigration charges.
US Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei said in a statement on Thursday that this investigation was one of South Texas’s largest ever. Over 700 law enforcement officers across 18 agencies participated in serving 45 search warrants last month, which included 30 illegal gambling rooms across Houston.
seized over $4.5m in cash, $5m in vehicles and property, 2,000 slot machines
Officers seized over $4.5m in cash, $5m in vehicles and property, 2,000 slot machines, eight firearms, and 100 Rolexes. They also froze another $6.5m in bank accounts.
Suspects are facing a variety of charges, including bribery, operating illegal gambling facilities, money laundering, and conspiracy. Two suspects remain at large, with those in custody set to make their initial court appearances this week.
The proceeds from the illegal gambling operation headed up by Nizar Alii reportedly generated $22m, which was then laundered. The ringleader allegedly paid over $500,000 in bribes to an undercover police officer in return for protecting the operations from police scrutiny.
