A years-long operation to bust a Houston gambling ring has culminated in the arrest of 16 individuals, the seizure of $22 million worth of assets, and the detention of 31 illegal aliens.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas announced Thursday that after years of undercover investigation, 16 individuals were charged in connection with a $22 million illegal game room operation on April 2.
The charges include conspiracy, operating illegal game rooms, bribery, and money laundering.
According to the indictment, Nizar Ali, a Pakistani national living in Richmond, along with members of his family and associates, conspired to own, operate, or assist in the operation of these illegal game rooms. The indictment also alleges that the defendants conspired to conduct financial transactions designed to conceal the nature of the illicit income.
Throughout the operation, known as “Operation Double Down,” law enforcement seized $4.5 million in cash, $5 million worth of property and vehicles, and $6.5 million from various bank accounts and financial institutions. In addition, authorities confiscated 2,000 slot machines, 100 Rolex watches, and eight firearms, bringing the total value of seized assets to $22 million.
More than 700 law enforcement officers from 18 agencies—including the lead investigative team from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the IRS Criminal Division, the Houston Police Department, and the FBI—executed 45 search warrants and 40 seizure warrants at locations throughout the Greater Houston area.
Of those, 30 locations were illegal game rooms.
All individuals involved face 32 counts of conspiracy, operating an illegal gambling business, and interstate travel in aid of racketeering.
If convicted, they could face prison sentences ranging from 5 to 20 years. Except for the money laundering charge, which carries a $500,000 fine, each other count carries a potential fine of $250,000.
Ali is also accused of paying over half a million dollars to an undercover officer, whom he believed to be corrupt, to keep him informed about law enforcement’s movements and to protect his operations.
If convicted, Ali faces up to 10 additional years in prison for each count.
Two individuals, Sayed Ali and Stephanie Huerta, are currently fugitives, and warrants have been issued for their arrest.
Additionally, during the April 2 raids, ICE detained 31 illegal aliens on various immigration and firearms charges, including one who allegedly assaulted a law enforcement officer.
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