Web Desk
Houston, Texas –In one of the largest federal crackdowns in recent history, more than 700 law enforcement officers raided dozens of locations across Houston on Wednesday, targeting a widespread illegal game room enterprise.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, the operation led to the arrest of 14 individuals on charges including conspiracy, running illegal gambling businesses, bribery, and money laundering.
Authorities seized over $22 million in assets during the operation.
Federal agents conducted simultaneous raids at 45 locations citywide, including 30 illegal game rooms allegedly linked to the operation.
Among those arrested was Nizar Ali, identified as the mastermind behind the multi-million dollar criminal network.
Officials said the illegal business generated massive cash flow, which was laundered through 25 different bank accounts.
Assets recovered during the raids included $4.5 million in cash, $6.5 million from bank accounts, 2,000 slot machines, and $5 million worth of property and vehicles.
In a press conference Thursday, U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei said the case was the largest money laundering investigation linked to illegal gambling in Houston in recent years.
Authorities also uncovered evidence of corruption involving law enforcement.
Ganjei revealed that Ali allegedly paid bribes to a police officer, initially $1,000 per week, which later increased to as much as $40,000 per meeting as the operation expanded.
In total, the officer reportedly received over $500,000 in protection payments.
The investigation, which began in 2019, further revealed that 31 undocumented individuals were either working at or patronizing the illegal game rooms.
They were taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during Wednesday’s operation.
In addition to Ali, those arrested include:
Naeem Ali, 33, and Amer Khan, 68, both of Richmond, Ishan Dhuka, 33, and Sahil Karovalia, 32, both of Rosenberg, Sarfarez Maredia, 38, and Shoaib Maredia, 40, both of Sugar Land,Yolanda Figueroa, 40, of Pasadena,Viviana Alvarado, 45, of La Porte,Anabel Eloisa Guevarra, 46; Precela Solis, 27; Maria Delarosa, 53; Claudia Calderon, 37; and Lucia Hernandez, 34 — all of Houston.
Two suspects, Sayed Ali, 59, of Richmond and Stephanie Huerta, 35, remain at large, and warrants have been issued for their arrest.
Ganjei emphasized that illegal game rooms can fuel drug activity, public disorder, and prostitution in communities.
“This case sends a strong message — Houstonians should not have to accept these conditions as part of daily life,” he said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
