One of the raids focused on the home of a suspected Pakistani-origin owner of a gambling den, whose videos, recorded by locals, were shared widely on social media
By Amjad Qaimkhani
HOUSTON: The FBI, alongside other law enforcement agencies, has carried out a significant operation across Houston and Harris County, raiding 30 illegal gambling dens and arresting 45 individuals. Among those detained are business owners and staff members of Pakistani origin, as well as two police officers accused of protecting the illegal operations.
The operation unveiled a far-reaching network of corruption, with law enforcement officers allegedly involved in bribery and illicit activities aimed at shielding these gambling establishments. One of the raids targeted the residence of a suspected Pakistani-origin owner of one of the gambling dens, whose videos were recorded by local residents and subsequently shared on social media.
Investigations revealed that over 20 illegal game rooms were operating in the area, generating millions of dollars in illicit revenue. These operations were reportedly shielded by influential government officials, who allowed them to run unchecked for years. It is alleged that bribes were paid to law enforcement to prevent raids, while corrupt officers pressured rival business owners to close their own operations.
Among those arrested in the raids are 16 key individuals, including Nazar Ali, Naeem Ali, Amir Khan, Ehsan Dhoka, Shell Krolia, Sarfraz Mardiya, Shoaib Mardiya, Yolanda Figueroa, Viviana Olivardo, Anabel Elvisa Guevara, Priscilla Solis, Maria Dela Calderon, Cloud Herrinando, and Cloud. Two individuals, Syed Ali and Stephanie Horta, remain at large.
The individuals face severe charges, including conspiracy, operating illegal gambling businesses, interstate criminal activities, and money laundering. If convicted, they could face prison sentences ranging from five to 20 years. Further investigations have revealed that over 30 undocumented immigrants were employed as armed guards for the illegal gambling operations. Some of the individuals arrested had serious criminal records, including financial crimes and child abuse.
Social media platforms were also used to promote these illegal businesses, with online groups and pages such as “Cici Baytown” and “Cici Chinatown” advertising the operations. During the raids, law enforcement officials seized more than 2,000 illegal slot machines, eight firearms, 100 luxury Rolex watches, $4.5 million in cash, $6.5 million in bank accounts, and several luxury vehicles.
