CMPD recently partnered with federal and state agencies to conduct a massive operation against illegal ‘fish arcades’ across the Charlotte and Raleigh regions, resulting in over 800 criminal charges.
The collaborative effort involved multiple agencies including the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and others.
Illegal fish arcades offer cash payouts for gaming credits, violating state laws.
“These fish arcades and other illegal gambling locations are havens for criminal activity,” said CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings in a press release. “Often the most vulnerable members of our communities are targeted to gamble at these locations. We are very thankful for our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to help us send a message that we will not tolerate these establishments preying on our citizens.”
On April 17, 2024, the CMPD partnered with local, state and federal agencies to raid illegal fish arcade gambling businesses in Charlotte and across North Carolina. CMPD detectives targeted two locations in Charlotte on Albemarle Road and Providence Road, seizing 117 gambling… pic.twitter.com/BAtJ7pGjYN
— CMPD News (@CMPD) April 19, 2024
Raids on April 17, 2024, in Charlotte seized 117 gambling stations, $18,000 cash, and firearms. Khalil Okasha, 50, was arrested for gambling-related charges, and Antwan Webb, 38, for unlicensed armed security.
Targeted locations included:
- 888 Arcade Raleigh
- 888 Arcade Gastonia
- City Arcade Matthews
- 2501 Wilmont Drive Gastonia
Several individuals are facing warrants:
- Nina Nashar, 29, Gastonia
- Nicole Nashar, 27, Gastonia
- Hani Nashar, Charlotte
- Haissam Nashar, 57, Gastonia
- Valarie Nashar, 54, Gastonia
- Lillian Nashar, 22, Gastonia
- Adam Nashar, 18, Gastonia
Charges include illegal gambling, operating unlawful sweepstakes, criminal enterprise activities, and illegal video gambling machines. The operation led to 496 charges in Mecklenburg County and 304 in Gastonia, reflecting a significant crackdown on illegal gambling in North Carolina.
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