A major illegal gambling operation in Jacksonville, Florida has been dismantled, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of millions in assets. The operation, dubbed "Operation Fish & Chips," had been running since 2021 across 10 different locations.

Law enforcement confiscated:

• 263 gambling devices
• $2.5 million in cash
• 15 vehicles (valued at $1.7M)
• 2 houses
• Assorted jewelry and watches

The operation allegedly offered illegal fish tables, fire links, and various internet gambling games. Robin Rukab Azzam, a former Jacksonville city employee, and her husband George Azzam were identified as the operation's leaders. They allegedly laundered money through licensed gaming properties and maintained multiple bank accounts containing hundreds of thousands in illegal proceeds.

Additional suspects facing charges include Ryan Strickland, Derek Fleming, Majd Dabbas, Jerry Bass, and Willbert Bannister. Most face racketeering and illegal gambling charges.

The gambling locations were linked to serious crimes, including:

• 8 robberies
• 26 assaults
• 2 murders (including a security guard)

The illegal operations were conducted at these Jacksonville addresses:

• 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

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters emphasized that shutting down these operations helps reduce violence in the community. The Florida Attorney General's office filed a 32-page complaint following a year-long investigation by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and other agencies.

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