Houston's Unlawful Gambling Syndicate Leader Deposits Half a Million Dollars in Bribes to a Covert Police Officer
Unveiling Operation Double Down: South Texas's Monumental Takedown of an Illegal Gambling Empire
This week, Houston witnessed a significant shakeup as law enforcement dismantled a colossal illegal gambling and money laundering ring. Dubbed "Operation Double Down," a grand total of 16 individuals were indicted, and assets worth a staggering $16 million were seized. The operation also resulted in the arrest of 31 undocumented immigrants on assorted firearm and immigration charges.
US Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei remarked in a statement on Thursday that this investigation was one of South Texas's most extensive ever. A whopping 700 law enforcement officers across 18 agencies banded together to serve 45 search warrants last month, uncovering 30 illicit gambling dens across the city.
With over $4.5 million in cold hard cash, $5 million in vehicles and properties, 2,000 slot machines, eight firearms, and 100 Rolex watches now in their possession, the officers also froze another $6.5 million in bank accounts.
According to official records, the suspects are facing a smorgasbord of charges, ranging from bribery and operating illegal gambling facilities to money laundering and conspiring against the law. As of now, two suspects, Sayed Ali and Stephanie Huerta, remain on the lam. The rest of the arrested are slated to make their initial court appearances this week.
At the helm of this devastating operation was none other than Nizar Alii. Allegedly, the proceeds from the gambling empire he controlled amounted to $22 million, a substantial portion of which was laundered. Alii is said to have paid over half a million dollars in bribes to an undercover police officer, ostensibly in exchange for protection from police scrutiny.
Operation Double Down: A Deep Dive
Operation Overview:- Duration: The operation ran for an impressive five years.- Agencies Involved: Over 18 agencies contributed to the operation, with more than 700 officers assisting in the investigative efforts.
Charges and Arrests:- Individuals Charged: 16 people, including key players like Nizar Ali, were charged.- Suspects at Large: Sayed Ali and Stephanie Huerta are still at large.
Seizures:- Assets Seized: Over $16 million in cash, vehicles, properties, and assets were confiscated, including $4.5 million in cold, hard cash, 2,000 slot machines, eight firearms, and 100 Rolex watches. Another $6.5 million was frozen in bank accounts.
Illegal Operations:- Gambling Rooms: 30 illicit gambling dens were raided across Houston.- Revenue: The operation generated over $22 million, primarily from illegal gambling.
Charges Against Suspects:- Charges include conspiracy, operating an illegal gambling enterprise, interstate transportation in support of racketeering, money laundering, and bribery.
The Impact and Significance of Operation Double Down- Operation Double Down is recognized as one of South Texas's largest investigative endeavors, demonstrating the sheer might of law enforcement in combating illegal activities.- This operation underscores the widespread presence of illegal gambling and money laundering activities in the region.
- The ongoing investigation, Operation Double Down, has reportedly resulted in the enforcement of charges against 16 individuals in Houston, including key players like Nizar Ali.
- According to the latest report, the seizures in Operation Double Down totals a staggering $16 million, with over $4.5 million in cash, 2,000 slot machines, eight firearms, and 100 Rolex watches among the confiscated items.
- The 18 agencies involved in Operation Double Down have collectively worked on this operation for an impressive five years, making it one of South Texas's most extensive investigations to date.
- The charged suspects in Operation Double Down are facing a variety of criminal charges, such as operating an illegal gambling enterprise, money laundering, and bribery, among others.
