On Tuesday morning, December 18, 2024, Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters announced the results of a multi-agency investigation, Operation Fish and Chips, targeting illegal gaming operations in Jacksonville. Spanning from March 2023 to December 2024, the long-term undercover investigation led to the arrests of 12 individuals on charges including violations of Florida’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), conspiracy to commit racketeering, money laundering, and possession of illegal gambling equipment. One arrest warrant remains outstanding.
Among those arrested were Michael Soufan, Robin Rukab Azzam, George Azzam, Ryan Strickland, Wilbert Bannister, Majd Dabbas, Candace Jackson, Hugh Viquez, Jerry Bass, and Julie Shunnarah. Additionally, Sway Henderson and Chantelle Hall were charged for their roles as agents or operators of illegal gambling houses.
The operation was led by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) Vice Unit in collaboration with the United States Secret Service, Florida Gaming Control Commission, and the Office of the Statewide Prosecutor. Sheriff Waters was joined at the press conference by JSO Homeland Security Chief Edwin Maurice Cayenne, Narcotics and Vice Commander Jordan Dowling, Narcotics Lieutenant Fred Dash, Special Agent Joe Scargill of the Secret Service, Florida Gaming Enforcement Director Carl Herold, and Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Emily Frazier.
Over the past 10 days, JSO detectives, supported by SWAT operators and patrol officers, executed several search warrants, resulting in the seizure of:
- 263 illegal gaming devices, including slot machines, fish tables, and computers.
- $2.5 million in cash tied to illegal activities.
- 15 vehicles and one trailer, valued at $1.7 million.
- Two houses, one commercial building, and various jewelry, watches, and designer purses, conservatively valued at $1.2 million.
- 52 firearms believed to be linked to illegal operations.
Sheriff Waters emphasized that these figures are preliminary, as investigators are still itemizing bank accounts, safe deposit boxes, and other seized assets.
During the investigation, detectives uncovered violent crimes linked to illegal gaming locations in Duval County, including two murders, eight robberies, and 26 aggravated assaults. Sheriff Waters stressed the importance of dismantling these operations to reduce community violence, stating, “By shutting down these illegal gaming locations and seizing their criminal proceeds, we remove one accelerant that ignites violence in our community.”
One suspect reportedly believed his operation would go unchecked, stating, “TK Waters and JSO have other concerns in illegal gaming but they’re actually dead wrong.” Waters highlighted this statement as evidence that the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office will not tolerate any criminal activity.
The investigation remains active, and Sheriff Waters encouraged anyone with information to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
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