Islamabad/Houston, April 04: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has shut down 40 illegal game rooms in Houston, marking one of the largest crackdowns in Texas history.
Dubbed Operation Double Down, the FBI’s investigation uncovered a $22 million illegal gambling and money laundering network that had been operating for over 15 years.
The large-scale operation involved over 700 law enforcement personnel executing 85 warrants across 45 locations.
Operation Double Down: A $22 Million Gambling and Money Laundering Scheme
This resulted in 45 arrests and the seizure of millions in illicit assets, firearms, and illegal slot machines.
Alleged Mastermind: Nazir Ali
At the center of the operation is 61-year-old Nazir Ali, a Pakistani citizen from Richmond, Texas.
Federal prosecutors allege that Ali, along with family members, associates, and corrupt officials, managed dozens of illegal game rooms while laundering criminal proceeds through real estate, luxury vehicles, and businesses.
US Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei described the scheme as “a sophisticated operation that funneled millions through hidden channels,” adding that the takedown marks a significant step in dismantling organized crime in Houston.
Key Arrests and Charges
Sixteen individuals, including Naeem Ali, Amer Khan, Ishan Dhuka, and Sahil Karovalia, were arrested on charges of illegal gambling operations, money laundering, bribery, and interstate racketeering.
Two suspects, Syed Ali and Stephanie Huerta, remain fugitives with warrants issued for their arrests.
Authorities stated that those arrested face prison sentences ranging from five to twenty years, along with significant fines—up to $500,000 for money laundering and $250,000 for other charges.
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Nazir Ali alone faces 32 counts of federal program bribery for allegedly paying over $500,000 to an undercover federal officer posing as a corrupt cop to shield his game rooms from law enforcement raids. If convicted, each bribery charge could add up to 10 years in prison.
Seized Assets and Criminal Operations
During the raids, authorities confiscated:
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Over 2,000 illegal gaming machines
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Eight firearms
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10 residential properties
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Luxury vehicles and 100 Rolex watches
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$4.5 million in cash and $6.5 million in bank accounts
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Additional financial assets, bringing the total seizures to over $22 million
Investigators also found that more than 30 undocumented immigrants had been employed as armed guards. Social media platforms, including Facebook groups like Cici Baytown and Cici Chinatown, were used to promote the illegal gambling operations.
Corruption in Law Enforcement
One of the most troubling aspects of the investigation was the discovery of corrupt police officers who allegedly accepted bribes to protect the illegal game rooms and suppress rival operations. Some officers were reportedly paid up to $40,000 per meeting for their cooperation.
“These weren’t just game rooms—they were criminal hubs protected by layers of corruption,” an FBI spokesperson stated.
Impact on Organized Crime in Houston
Authorities emphasized that the crackdown was aimed at dismantling the criminal network rather than targeting individual gamblers. Officials expect the operation to significantly weaken organized crime in the Houston area.
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“These game rooms weren’t just illegal—they were dangerous,” said US Attorney Ganjei. “Their closure makes Houston a safer place.”
Assistant US Attorneys S. Mark McIntyre, John Marck, and Carolyn Ferko are prosecuting the case, while Brandon Fyffe and Tyler Foster are overseeing the asset forfeitures. The investigation remains active, with officials confirming that additional arrests could follow.
