In a significant law enforcement operation along Florida’s southeast coast, multiple arrests have been carried out in connection with an extensive illegal gambling and money laundering network. Dubbed “Operations Fools Treasure,” this years-long investigation by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has uncovered a web of businesses engaging in illicit activities. Authorities identified several establishments operating unauthorized Las Vegas-style video slot machines that offered cash prizes, which is prohibited under Florida law except in regulated venues. The probe led to nine search warrants and five arrest warrants, revealing substantial financial transactions linked to these operations. Two suspects were apprehended in Palm Beach County, while two others were arrested in Miami-Dade, with more arrests expected.
The investigation into this illegal gambling ring began in 2022 when the sheriff’s office's Money Laundering Unit within the Narcotics Division started scrutinizing suspicious business practices. They discovered four locations across West Palm Beach, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, and Zephyrhills that were running unlicensed gambling houses. These venues featured slot machines similar to those found in Las Vegas casinos, offering cash rewards, despite such activities being strictly regulated in Florida. The authorities also traced the supply of these machines back to two Miami-based companies.
As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that the illegal gambling enterprises were intertwined with money laundering operations. Multiple businesses and bank accounts, including ATMs located within the gambling establishments, were used to launder the proceeds from these illicit activities. Court documents revealed that over 3,000 was deposited into these accounts between October 20, 2022, and October 19, 2023. This substantial sum raised red flags for investigators, highlighting the scale of the criminal enterprise.
Among those arrested were Ritesh Patel, aged 33, and Nova Revez Roffey, 41, who faced charges including conspiracy to commit money laundering, maintaining a gambling house, conducting an unlawful lottery, and unlawful possession of slot machine devices. In Miami-Dade, Eric David Silverstein and Justin Earl Silverstein, allegedly the proprietors of the companies supplying the illegal slot machines, were also taken into custody. Law enforcement agencies emphasized that further arrests are imminent as the investigation continues.
This crackdown underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to dismantle illegal gambling rings and prevent money laundering activities. The collaborative effort involving multiple state and local agencies highlights the complexity and reach of such criminal networks. Authorities remain vigilant, committed to ensuring that these illegal operations are brought to justice and that public safety is maintained.
