Illicit Gambling Ring in Florida Shut Down, Gaming Devices and Cash Seized
A gambling operation in Florida which has been deemed illegal and unregulated has been caught and broken up. The operation, which was based in Jacksonville, was running in a total of 10 locations. It led to the seizure of several hundred gambling devices, 15 vehicles, two properties, watches and jewelry, and over $2.5 million in cash.
Jacksonville authorities have successfully dismantled an expansive illegal gambling operation that spanned 10 locations across the city, resulting in multiple arrests and the confiscation of millions in cash and assets. Dubbed "Operation Fish & Chips," the investigation uncovered illicit gaming activities tied to significant criminal behavior, including robberies, assaults, and even a murder.
Extensive investigation unveils widespread criminal network
The probe, led by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with Florida's Attorney General's office and other agencies, began in 2021 and culminated in the December filing of a 32-page complaint in Duval County court. Authorities identified Robin Rukab Azzam and her husband, George Azzam, as the masterminds behind the illegal operation.
The couple allegedly orchestrated a sophisticated scheme that offered unlicensed gambling games such as fire links, fish tables, and other internet-based offerings. These activities were conducted at locations scattered across Jacksonville, including addresses on Verna Boulevard, Shirley Avenue, and Lem Turner Road, among others.
Seizure of assets and arrests
The raid resulted in the confiscation of significant assets. Authorities seized an astonishing 263 gaming and gambling devices, 15 vehicles which were valued at approximately $1.7 million, and $2.5 million cash. Additionally, two houses and numerous luxury items, including watches and jewelry, were confiscated.
Investigators also uncovered evidence of money laundering, with proceeds from the gambling ring deposited into nearly a dozen bank and credit union accounts. The accounts reportedly held balances amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Among the dozen suspects arrested were Derek Fleming, Ryan Strickland, Jerry Bass, Majd Dabbas, and Willbert Bannister, alongside others who played lesser roles in the operation. Many of the suspects now face charges, including racketeering and illegal gambling. Several were in custody earlier this month at the Duval County jail.
High-profile suspects
Robin Rukab Azzam, identified as a former Jacksonville city employee and one-time city council candidate, reportedly played a central role in laundering the operation's profits. She was alleged to have visited licensed gaming establishments to blend illicit funds with legitimate revenues.
Her husband, George Azzam, was also heavily involved in the scheme, authorities said. The couple's activities contributed to a network of illegal gambling dens that became hotspots for criminal activity.
Violence at gambling locations
In addition to illegal gaming, the sites were linked to an alarming number of violent incidents. Authorities reported 26 assaults and eight robberies at the locations, with the violence escalating to the fatal shooting of a security guard on the 3rd of October.
Following the guard's murder, several of the gambling locations were shuttered. Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters emphasized the connection between illegal gambling and community violence during a press conference earlier this month. "By shutting down these illegal gaming locations and seizing their criminal proceeds, we remove one accelerant that ignites violence in our community," Sheriff Waters said.
The case shows the persistent challenges law enforcement faces in tackling illegal gambling operations. These networks not only divert funds from legitimate enterprises but also serve as breeding grounds for other crimes, endangering local communities. The operation's takedown marks a significant victory for law enforcement in Florida, with officials expressing confidence that the arrests and asset seizures will deter future criminal activity.
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