Law enforcement conducts a major operation against illegal gambling in Jacksonville.
Law enforcement in Jacksonville has successfully dismantled a major illegal gambling ring known as ‘The Establishment.’ This operation spanned ten facilities and involved significant money laundering and racketeering activities. Several key players, including Jerry Bass and Robin Azzam, have been arrested. The community had raised numerous complaints about the impacts of this operation, which brought about increased police presence and the seizure of luxury vehicles. With arraignments set for January 2025, the crackdown aims to improve public safety and address the rising crime associated with these gambling sites.
In a significant move to crack down on illegal activities in Jacksonville, law enforcement has taken down a major illegal gambling ring that was reportedly operating for years. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office conducted an extensive investigation, prompted by multiple complaints from citizens who were concerned about the gambling facilities popping up around the city.
This notorious gambling operation, known as “The Establishment,” had been under scrutiny since at least September 2021. The operation involved at least ten different facilities scattered across Jacksonville, creating a web of illicit activity that drew in numerous gamblers and caused a stir in the local community.
A 32-page document filed through the Florida Department of Legal Affairs names several individuals who are believed to be key players in this operation, with Jerry Bass being one of the notable names. Bass had previously found himself in hot water back in 2013 during the Allied Veterans of the World internet cafe scandal. To avoid jail time back then, he pleaded no contest to charges and has since been incarcerated at Duval County jail following his recent arrest on December 11, 2024. It seems that the thrill of gambling has once again tangled him with the law.
Other defendants include Ryan Strickland, Robin Rukab Azzam, George Azzam, and Derek Fleming, all of whom are referred to as “high level members of the enterprise.” Some reports indicate that the profits from this illegal gambling scheme were allegedly funneled into purchasing luxury properties and vehicles. Talk about living the high life on someone else’s dime!
At the heart of the investigation are George and Robin Azzam, with Robin being referred to as the “boss.” She is facing serious accusations, including allegedly laundering over $1 million through various bank accounts while hiding cash in her home. Ryan Strickland has also come under fire for providing illegal gambling software and engaging in money laundering activities. It sounds like this group had quite a sophisticated operation going!
With escalating public concerns, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office took action. They began their investigation into the gambling sites after receiving numerous complaints from the community. As a part of this major crackdown, videos emerged showing police presence, including tow trucks removing multiple high-end vehicles from these gambling locations.
The complaints filed against the defendants include serious charges such as racketeering, money laundering, maintaining a gambling house, violations of RICO, and conducting a lottery. These allegations are coming on the heels of a growing number of criminal incidents reported at the gambling sites, including burglaries, armed robberies, and the tragic shooting of a security guard in October at one of the locations known as The Dragon Arcade.
With arraignments scheduled for January 2025, the fallout from these arrests is expected to ripple through the Jacksonville community. The closure of this extensive illegal gambling operation is likely to lead to significant changes in the local landscape and public safety. Community members can breathe a sigh of relief as authorities continue to dismantle these types of operations.
As more details emerge about the complexities surrounding this illegal gambling ring, many are hopeful that this will be part of a broader effort to eliminate such activities from Jacksonville. Who knew that behind the glitz and glam of gambling, there was a shadowy world of crime lurking just beneath the surface?
Jacksonville Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Gambling Operation
Jacksonville Authorities Crack Down on Major Illegal Gambling Operation
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