Susan C. Dunbar Acting Executive Associate Director, Management and Administration | U.S. Immigration And Customs Enforcement
Susan C. Dunbar Acting Executive Associate Director, Management and Administration | U.S. Immigration And Customs Enforcement
Several Houston-area residents have been arrested on charges including conspiracy, illegal gambling operations, bribery, and money laundering. This follows one of the largest law enforcement operations in East Texas. The operation, led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was supported by multiple agencies including the IRS Criminal Investigation, the Houston Police Department, and the FBI.
Authorities also apprehended 31 individuals facing immigration and firearms charges. Among these individuals was one accused of assaulting a law enforcement officer.
The indictment, returned on March 26, outlines allegations against Nizar Ali of Richmond and others, including plans to operate illegal game rooms and launder profits exceeding $22 million. In this wide-ranging operation, over 700 officers executed 45 search and 40 seizure warrants at various locations in Houston. The sites included 30 illegal game rooms with names like El Portal and Yellow Building.
During the crackdown, law enforcement seized $11 million in cash and bank accounts, $5 million in property, 2,000 slot machines, and 8 firearms. They also confiscated 100 Rolex watches and approximately $6.5 million from financial institutions.
Notable arrests include Naeem Ali and Amer Khan from Richmond, alongside individuals such as Ishan Dhuka and Sahil Karovalia from Rosenberg. Sayed Ali and Stephanie Huerta are still at large with outstanding warrants for their arrests.
The charges involve conspiracy, operating illicit gambling businesses, and money laundering. The latter carries a possible 20-year prison sentence, while the other charges include potential five-year terms. Nizar Ali is also accused of federal program bribery, potentially extending his sentence by 10 years per count.
The operation was supported by several other agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection and local sheriff offices. Prosecutors S. Mark McIntyre, John Marck, and Carolyn Ferko are leading the case.
It is important to note that an indictment is not evidence of guilt, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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