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.