Published on: December 26, 2024, 03:11h.
Last edited on: December 26, 2024, 03:11h.
Approximately twelve suspects are now facing charges in Florida after authorities recently dismantled an illegal gaming ring based in Jacksonville that operated across 10 different locations.
According to First Coast News, a regional news outlet, the suspects have been offering illicit games such as fish tables, fire links, and various internet games since 2021.
263 Seized Gambling Devices
As part of the investigation, authorities seized a total of 263 gambling devices, $2.5 million in cash, 15 vehicles valued at approximately $1.7 million, two houses, as well as various jewelry and watches.
The suspects were also accused of depositing proceeds from the illegal gambling ring into nearly a dozen accounts at banks and credit unions, accumulating hundreds of thousands of dollars, officials disclosed.
One of the suspects, Robin Rukab Azzam, who is alleged to be the leader of the operation, reportedly visited licensed gaming establishments to mix the illicit funds with legal money.
Identified as a former city employee in Jacksonville by Jax Today, a local news source, she had previously attempted to run for city council, as per the report.
Robin Azzam’s husband, George Azzam, operated the gambling ring alongside his wife, with other defendants including Ryan Strickland, Derek Fleming, Majd Dabbas, Jerry Bass, Willbert Bannister, as well as others playing smaller roles, the report stated.
Several suspects were arrested on charges of racketeering and illegal gambling, and were in custody earlier this month at Duval County jail, according to Jax Today.
On December 11, the office of Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody filed a 32-page complaint in Duval County court following a year-long investigation conducted by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and other agencies.
Operation Fish & Chips
The investigation was dubbed “Operation Fish & Chips,” as reported by Florida TV station WJXT.
The gaming locations were also linked to other criminal activities, including eight robberies and 26 assaults. Additionally, on October 3, a security guard was killed at one of the sites, along with another unrelated murder.
Following the fatal shooting of the security guard, several locations were reportedly closed down by authorities.
“By shutting down these illegal gaming locations and confiscating their criminal proceeds, we eliminate one fuel source for violence in our community,” stated Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters during a press conference held earlier this month.
WJXT identified the locations of the Jacksonville gambling ring as:
- 5354 Verna Boulevard
- 4547 Shirley Avenue
- 5331 Lenox Avenue
- 1513 Lane Avenue
- 734 Edgewood Avenue North
- 5045 Soutel Drive
- 4006 North Main Street
- 8014 Lem Turner Road
- 4578 Blanding Boulevard
- 6530 San Juan Avenue