Jacksonville, Florida: Major Crackdown on Illegal Gambling Ring
More than a dozen individuals have been named in a recent complaint filed in Duval County court as part of an extensive investigation into an illegal gambling ring operating in Jacksonville. Filed by the office of Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, this complaint follows a yearlong investigation involving illegal activities that reportedly took place at multiple gaming establishments across the city.
Who is Involved?
The complaint identifies over a dozen individuals, with six marked as ‘high-level members’ of the organization. Leading the group is Robin Rukab Azzam, described as the ‘boss’ and owner of the establishment. Her husband, George Azzam, assists in managing daily operations. Among the other key figures are Ryan Strickland and Derek Fleming, who supplied illegal gambling machines and software, and Majd Dabbas, responsible for manufacturing the machines. Jerry Bass is accused of laundering the proceeds from these illegal activities, while Willbert Bannister served as a courier for the group.
What are the Allegations?
The gambling ring allegedly operated 10 establishments throughout Jacksonville, where illegal games such as ‘fish tables’, knock-off Las Vegas slot machines called ‘fire links’, and other internet games were played. These activities allegedly generated substantial illegal revenue, which was then laundered to fund purchases of property and vehicles. The filing detailed the various bank accounts utilized by the group and outlined how funds were deposited.
When Did the Investigation Begin?
According to the complaint, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) began its investigation after receiving community complaints about the illegal gambling operations. Further urgency was added when a robbery occurred in March 2023 at one of the establishments, leading officers to discover illegal machines in operation. Subsequent investigations revealed links to other robberies and even a tragic shooting incident that took place on October 3, 2024, claiming the life of a security guard at one of the locations.
Why Does This Matter?
The complaints raised serious concerns about public safety and the impact of illegal gambling on the community. With the establishment becoming targets for thefts and violent incidents, Crime and Safety Analyst Mark Baughman emphasized that such operations often attract criminal activities. “Individuals engaging in home invasions or targeting drug houses are increasingly keen to find out about these gambling operations, leading to violence,” Baughman explained.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Filed on December 11, 2024, the complaint coincided with JSO executing search warrants at a residence linked to Ryan Strickland, who refers to Robin Azzam as his ‘partner’. Charges associated with this case include racketeering and money laundering, with Robin and George Azzam, Bass, Strickland, Dabbas, and Bannister facing serious legal repercussions.
Community Involvement and Prevention
To successfully dismantle such operations, Baughman noted the necessity for law enforcement to substantiate claims of illegal money movement. He emphasized the risks faced by community members who fall prey to gambling addiction, often losing their income and assets. “People need to speak out against these operations to protect themselves and their families. The house always wins,” he cautioned, urging locals to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement.
As the Jacksonville community awaits further updates from JSO, the broader implications of illegal gambling and its connection to crime continue to raise alarms about public safety and welfare.
