“Operation Double Down” Leads to Dozens of Arrests, Millions in Cash and Assets Seized

Federal and local police busted a $22 million illegal gambling and money laundering conspiracy linked to dozens of Houston game rooms in one of the most remarkable law enforcement investigations in Houston's history. Known as “Operation Double Down,” almost 700 police from 18 departments executed 45 search warrants and 40 seizure warrants in Houston.

The alleged ringleader was Richmond's Nizar Ali, 61. Sixteen people were charged. Ali, a Pakistani national, ran a sophisticated criminal network of friends and family using cash enterprises, real estate investments, and luxury objects to hide the unlawful income, according to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. He allegedly managed dozens of illegal game rooms with monitoring, armed guards, and exclusive membership rules to avoid law enforcement.

Police recovered almost $4.5 million in cash, $6.5 million from bank accounts, $5 million in real estate and luxury automobiles, 100 Rolex watches, 2,000 gambling machines, and eight guns during the massive raids. Fourteen of the 16 charges were arrested, but Sayed Ali, 59, and Stephanie Huerta, 35, remain at large.

Another 30 persons were arrested on immigration and firearm charges, including one illegal suspect accused of attacking a police officer during the operation.

On March 26, a broad federal indictment charged Nizar Ali with 32 counts of federal program bribery, each with a 10-year penalty. The prosecution claims Ali and his friends used a complex money laundering system to hide their revenues.

According to officials, the bust was historic and a major blow to one of Southern Texas' most organized and well-funded illicit operations.

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