The Us Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other law enforcement agencies carried out large-scale operations in Houston and Harris County, raiding 30 illegal game rooms, resulting in the arrest of 45 individuals.
As per a report in the Islamabad Post, the arrested individuals include Pakistani-origin business owners, staff members, and two police officers who are accused of protecting these illegal gambling operations.
During this operation, the FBI also raided the home of the alleged owner of one of these gambling dens, a Pakistani-origin individual, whose videos were recorded by nearby residents and shared on social media.
The operation exposed a vast corruption network involving illegal gambling operations and corrupt law enforcement officers engaged in bribery and other illegal activities.
Investigations revealed that over 20 illegal game rooms were being operated in Houston and Harris County, generating millions of dollars in illicit revenue.
These operations were backed by influential government officials, which allowed them to continue unchecked for years. According to sources, substantial bribes were paid to protect these businesses from police actions.
Additionally, corrupt police officers allegedly pressured competing business owners to close their game rooms, which ultimately led to the FBI’s involvement. Following a thorough investigation, a major operation was carried out.
The FBI, along with other federal agencies, arrested 16 key individuals in the operation, including Nizar Ali, Naeem Ali, Amir Khan, Eshan Dhoka, Shil Krovlia, Safariz Mardia, Shoaib Mardia, Yolanda Figo Rova, Viviana Olivardo, Anabel Elvisa Guevara, Priscila Solis, Maria Dela Rosa, Claudia Calderon, and Lucia Hernandez. Two individuals, Syed Ali and Stephanie Horta, remain at large.
The arrested suspects face serious charges, including conspiracy, operating illegal gambling businesses, involvement in interstate criminal activities, and money laundering. If convicted, they could face prison sentences ranging from five to twenty years.
