Houston, TX – A large-scale federal operation has dismantled an illegal gambling ring in the Houston area, resulting in the arrests of 45 individuals, including the alleged mastermind, 61-year-old Nizar Ali. Authorities say the scheme, which generated over $22 million, operated through a network of illegal game rooms across the city.

According to U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei, more than 720 law enforcement officers from 20 federal and local agencies participated in the raids on Wednesday as part of a five-year investigation known as Operation Double Down. Officials targeted 45 locations, including 30 illegal gaming establishments with names like “El Portal” and “Yellow Building.”

Massive Sting Leads to Dozens of Arrests

The coordinated raids resulted in the execution of 85 warrants and a 37-count indictment against 16 individuals. Among those arrested were:

• Nizar Ali, 61, Richmond
• Naeem Ali, 33, Richmond
• Amer Khan, 68, Richmond
• Ishan Dhuka, 33, Rosenberg
• Shil Karovalia, 32, Rosenberg
• Safarez Maredia, 38, Sugar Land
• Shoaib Maredia, 40, Sugar Land
• Yoland Figueroa, 40, Pasadena
• Viviana Alverado, 45, LaPorte
• Anabel Eloisa Guevarra, 46, Houston
• Precela Solis, 27, Houston
• Maria Delarosa, 53, Houston
• Claudia Calderon, 37, Houston
• Lucia Hernandez, 34, Houston

Two suspects, Sayed Ali, 59, of Richmond, and Stephanie Huerta, 35, of Houston, remain at large.

Authorities Seize Millions in Cash, Luxury Items

During the operation, law enforcement seized:

• Over 2,000 illegal slot machines
• Eight firearms
• Numerous high-end vehicles
• 100 Rolex watches
• $4.5 million in cash
• $6.5 million from financial accounts

Despite the scale of the operation, authorities confirmed that no customers were arrested—only individuals involved in running the illegal gambling businesses.

Inside the $22M Gambling Network

Authorities allege that Nizar Ali was the ringleader, using family members and associates to manage illegal game rooms across Houston. To conceal his profits, Ali allegedly funneled money through 25 bank accounts and various businesses.

In addition, Ali reportedly employed 31 undocumented immigrants as armed security guards for his gambling locations and other businesses. These individuals were arrested on various immigration and firearm charges during the raids.

“The scheme itself was sophisticated,” Ganjei said in a press conference. “It used armed security, surveillance systems, and membership lists to ensure only approved customers could access the game rooms.”

Bribery and Racketeering Charges

Along with conspiracy, illegal gambling operations, and money laundering charges, Ali faces 32 counts of federal program bribery. Investigators say he attempted to bribe a Houston police officer in an effort to keep his illegal business under the radar. However, the officer was actually an undercover agent, leading to further evidence against Ali.

Each of the main charges carries a potential five-year prison sentence, while the money laundering charges could result in up to 20 years in prison.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests may follow.