Massive Gambling Bust a Huge Blow to Organized Crime in Houston
Authorities in Houston shut down a massive illegal gambling business and seized $22 million while 16 individual were taken into custody this past Wednesday April 2.
40 illegal gambling rooms were shuttered across the Houston area as part of what authorities called “Operation Double Down".
U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei described the seizure as one of the largest law enforcement operations in the history of the Southern District of Texas.
“We’ve exposed and dismantled one of the largest illegal gaming and money laundering operations in the state’s history and taken another significant step in our efforts to eradicate organized crime in the Houston area,” Ganjei said at a press conference Thursday afternoon.
The operation allegedly run by 61-year-old Nazir Ali, a Pakistani citizen of Richmond, Texas. Prosecutors claim Ali used family members and associates to run dozens of illegal gambling locations, moving large sums of cash between game rooms and laundering the money through businesses, real estate, and luxury assets over a 15 year period.
The charges allege that Ali and his associates conspired to own, operate, or assist in running illegal game rooms and launder more than $22 million in criminal proceeds over a 15-year period.
Ali and 15 others now face charges including illegal gambling, conspiracy to launder money, bribery, and other financial crimes.
The following individuals have also been taken into custody:
Naeem Ali, 33, and Amer Khan, 68, both of Richmond,
Ishan Dhuka, 33, and Sahil Karovalia, 32, both of Rosenberg,
Sarfarez Maredia, 38, and Shoaib Maredia, 40, both of Sugar Land,
Yolanda Figueroa, 40, Pasadena,
Viviana Alvarado, 45, LaPorte,
Anabel Eloisa Guevarra, 46, Precela Solis, 27, Maria Delarosa, 53, Claudia Calderon, 37, and Lucia Hernandez, 34, all of Houston.
Two others, Sayed Ali, 59, of Richmond, and Stephanie Huerta, 35, of Houston, are considered fugitives, with warrants issued for their arrests.
Each of the individuals are facing a maximum 20-year possible prison term.
Ali is said to have employed a police officer for protection, not knowing the officer was working undercover.
From CW 29:
Between 2009 and 2025, the operation is believed to have generated $22 million in illegal proceeds, which were allegedly funneled through 25 bank accounts, various businesses, hidden stash houses, and valuable assets like luxury cars and property. With the exception of the money laundering charge which has the possibility of a $500,000 maximum fine or twice the value of the property involved, the remaining counts carry a maximum $250,000 potential fine.
More than 700 law enforcement personnel executed 85 warrants across 45 locations allegedly involved. The historic takedown resulted in:
14 criminal arrests and 31 administrative arrests
The seizure of over 2,000 illegal gaming machines
The confiscation of eight firearms
The seizure of 10 residential properties and multiple high-end vehicles
Authorities believe this bust will have a lasting impact on organized crime in Houston.
“I wouldn’t want to live next to a game room,” Ganjei added. “These places exist, and they affect the communities they are placed in. I think the Houston community will be better off for it.”
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