Florida Police Bust $4M Illegal Gambling Ring, Seize 263 Gaming Machines in Jacksonville

Florida Police Bust $4M Illegal Gambling Ring, Seize 263 Gaming Machines in Jacksonville

By Michael Harrison

December 26, 2024 at 10:12 AM

A major illegal gambling operation in Jacksonville, Florida, has been dismantled, leading to multiple arrests and the seizure of millions in assets. The operation, dubbed "Operation Fish & Chips," ran across 10 locations throughout the city since 2021.

Police officer speaking to media

Police officer speaking to media

Law enforcement confiscated:

  • 263 gambling devices
  • $2.5 million in cash
  • 15 vehicles (valued at $1.7M)
  • 2 houses
  • Various jewelry and watches

The operation allegedly offered illegal games including fish tables, fire links, and internet gambling. Authorities discovered hundreds of thousands of dollars spread across multiple bank and credit union accounts, believed to be gambling proceeds.

Key suspects include:

  • Robin Rukab Azzam (alleged leader, former city employee)
  • George Azzam (Robin's husband and co-operator)
  • Ryan Strickland
  • Derek Fleming
  • Majd Dabbas
  • Jerry Bass
  • Willbert Bannister

The gambling locations were connected to significant criminal activity, including:

  • 8 robberies
  • 26 assaults
  • 2 murders (including a security guard)

The 10 Jacksonville locations operated at:

  • 5354 Verna Boulevard
  • 4547 Shirley Avenue
  • 5331 Lenox Avenue
  • 1513 Lane Avenue
  • 734 Edgewood Avenue North
  • 5045 Soutel Drive
  • 4006 North Main Street
  • 8014 Lem Turner Road
  • 4578 Blanding Boulevard
  • 6530 San Juan Avenue

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody filed a 32-page complaint on December 11, following a year-long investigation by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. Several suspects face racketeering and illegal gambling charges and were held at the Duval County jail.

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