Pakistani Suspects Caught Operating Illegal Gambling Ring in Houston

The FBI, along with other law enforcement agencies, orchestrated extensive raids across Houston and Harris County, targeting 30 illegal gaming establishments and leading to the arrest of 45 suspects.

Among those detained were business owners and employees of Pakistani descent, as well as two police officers who allegedly provided protection for these illicit gambling operations.

During the operation, authorities executed a search warrant at the residence of a suspected owner of one of the game rooms, whose activities had been recorded by local residents and disseminated on social media.

This crackdown revealed a sprawling network of corruption intertwined with illegal gambling, implicating law enforcement officers in acts of bribery and other criminal behaviors.

Investigative work uncovered that more than 20 illegal gaming establishments were in operation in the region, generating significant revenue through illicit activities.

These operations had the backing of powerful government figures, allowing them to flourish without scrutiny for several years. Reports suggest that hefty bribes were paid to shield these enterprises from law enforcement actions.

Corrupt police officers reportedly pressured competing business owners to shut down their operations, which ultimately brought the case to the FBI’s attention. After thorough investigations, this extensive operation was conducted.

In total, 16 key figures were arrested, including Nizar Ali, Naeem Ali, Amir Khan, Eshan Dhoka, Shil Krovlia, Safariz Mardia, Shoaib Mardia, Yolanda Figo Rova, Viviana Olivardo, Anabel Elvisa Guevara, Priscila Solis, Maria Dela Rosa, Claudia Calderon, and Lucia Hernandez. Two additional suspects, Syed Ali and Stephanie Horta, remain at large.

These individuals are now facing severe charges, including conspiracy, managing illegal gambling operations, involvement in interstate criminal activities, and money laundering. If convicted, they could be sentenced to prison terms ranging from five to twenty years.

Investigators also found that over 30 undocumented immigrants had been hired as armed security personnel for these illegal gaming establishments and related businesses.

Some of those arrested had extensive criminal records, including offenses such as financial fraud and child abuse. Additionally, it was revealed that social media platforms were utilized to promote these illegal activities.

Online communities and pages, such as “Cici Baytown” and “Cici Chinatown,” were leveraged to market these unlawful gambling operations to attract a wider audience.

The raids conducted by the FBI and other agencies led to the seizure of over 2,000 illegal slot machines, eight firearms, 100 high-value Rolex watches, $4.5 million in cash, $6.5 million in bank accounts, and various luxury cars.