Multiple arrests have been made in connection with the dismantling of a large-scale illegal gambling and money laundering operation along Florida’s southeast coast, according to authorities.
The arrests are part of an ongoing, years-long investigation called “Operation Fools Treasure,” as confirmed by officials from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
Starting in 2022, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Money Laundering Unit, part of the Narcotics Division, identified several businesses operating illegal gambling houses featuring Las Vegas-style video slot machines that offered cash prizes, authorities said. Florida law prohibits such machines outside of regulated facilities like pari-mutuels and specific tribal gaming establishments.
The investigation eventually connected four locations in West Palm Beach, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, and Zephyrhills to the illegal gambling activities. Additionally, two Miami-based businesses were identified as supplying the slot machines to these illegal establishments.
The investigation, which involved multiple state and local law enforcement agencies, resulted in nine search warrants and five arrest warrants. Court records indicate that several businesses, bank accounts, and ATMs located within the establishments were used for money laundering the proceeds of the illegal gambling operation. Investigators uncovered substantial cash deposits into the bank accounts, including over $763,000 from October 20, 2022, through October 19, 2023, according to the court records.
Two suspects, Ritesh Patel, 33, and Nova Revez Roffey, 41, were arrested in Palm Beach County on charges including conspiracy to commit money laundering, maintaining a gambling house, conducting an unlawful lottery, and unlawful possession of slot machine devices, according to records.
Additionally, Eric David Silverstein and Justin Earl Silverstein were arrested in Miami-Dade. The two men are alleged to be the owners of the companies that supplied the illegal slot machines to the gambling establishments.
