Authorities have announced multiple arrests following the takedown of a significant illegal gambling and money laundering operation along Florida’s southeast coast. The criminal network, which had been operating on a large scale, was brought down as part of a comprehensive investigation that spanned several years.
According to officials from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, this long-term probe, dubbed “Operation Fool’s Treasure,” was designed to uncover and dismantle the complex web of illegal activities tied to the ring. Law enforcement emphasized that the arrests mark a major milestone in their ongoing efforts to combat organized crime in the region.
Starting in 2022, the Money Laundering Unit within the Narcotics Division of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office began an in-depth investigation into several businesses suspected of running illegal gambling operations. Through their efforts, investigators identified multiple establishments that were using Las Vegas-style video slot machines to conduct illicit activities. These machines, which offered cash prizes to participants, were being operated in violation of Florida state law.
Under Florida regulations, such machines are strictly prohibited outside of licensed facilities, including pari-mutuel venues and certain tribal gaming establishments. Authorities highlighted that the use of these machines in unregulated locations was a key component of the illegal gambling network they sought to dismantle.
The investigation uncovered that illegal gambling operations were being conducted at four locations across Florida, specifically in West Palm Beach, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, and Zephyrhills. Additionally, authorities identified two Miami-based businesses as the suppliers of the Las Vegas-style slot machines used in these unlawful establishments. The collaborative effort, which involved multiple state and local law enforcement agencies, culminated in the execution of nine search warrants and the issuance of five arrest warrants. Officials emphasized that this operation represented a coordinated and strategic effort to dismantle the network of illegal gambling and its associated activities.
Court documents reveal that the illegal gambling ring utilized a network of businesses, bank accounts, and ATMs located within the establishments to facilitate the laundering of profits generated from the unlawful activities. Investigators uncovered evidence of significant cash deposits being funneled into these accounts, with records indicating deposits exceeding $763,000 over a one-year period, from October 20, 2022, to October 19, 2023.
As a result of the investigation, two individuals—Ritesh Patel, 33, and Nova Revez Roffey, 41—were taken into custody in Palm Beach County. Both suspects face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit money laundering, operating a gambling house, running an unlawful lottery, and illegal possession of slot machine devices. Authorities highlighted these arrests as a significant step in dismantling the extensive criminal operation.
Two additional suspects, Eric David Silverstein and Justin Earl Silverstein, were apprehended in Miami-Dade County as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities identified the pair as the alleged owners of the companies responsible for supplying the illegal slot machines used in the gambling operations. Their arrests mark a critical development in the case, as investigators continue to target the key individuals and entities involved in facilitating the large-scale illegal enterprise.
Officials have stated that the investigation is ongoing, with additional arrests currently underway. Law enforcement authorities are continuing their efforts to apprehend other individuals believed to be connected to the illegal gambling and money laundering operation, signaling that the case is far from over.
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