Florida Gambling Ring Bust: 263 Gaming Devices, $4.2M in Assets Seized in Jacksonville

Florida Gambling Ring Bust: 263 Gaming Devices, $4.2M in Assets Seized in Jacksonville

By Michael Davidson

December 26, 2024 at 10:13 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," had been running since 2021 across 10 locations throughout the city.

Police officer speaking to media

Police officer speaking to media

Law enforcement seized:

  • 263 gambling devices
  • $2.5 million in cash
  • 15 vehicles (valued at $1.7M)
  • 2 houses
  • Assorted jewelry and watches
  • Multiple bank accounts containing hundreds of thousands of dollars

The operation allegedly offered illegal games including fish tables, fire links, and various internet gambling options. Robin Rukab Azzam, a former Jacksonville city employee, and her husband George Azzam were identified as the operation's leaders. Additional suspects include Ryan Strickland, Derek Fleming, Majd Dabbas, Jerry Bass, and Willbert Bannister.

The gambling locations were linked to significant criminal activity:

  • 8 robberies
  • 26 assaults
  • 2 murders, including a security guard killing on October 3

The 10 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 detained at the Duval County jail.

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