The San Francisco Police Department is making headway in clamping down on illegal gambling activities across the city, with a series of raids conducted in known hotspots. In a coordinated effort, officers from multiple SFPD divisions, including Mission and Tenderloin Stations, the Narcotics Division, and Tactical units, targeted businesses suspected of housing illegal operations.
On Wednesday, five search warrants were executed in premises scattered along Turk Street and Mission Street. The busts were significant, resulting in the seizure of over 30 illegal gambling machines, cash totaling over $17,000, and other items, including suspected narcotics, nitrous oxide containers, and weapons. According to the San Francisco Police Department, multiple individuals were detained during these operations for their alleged roles in the illicit activities.
Of the individuals arrested, four men face various charges related to the illegal gambling business. 35-year-old Anthony Williams of Modesto was booked on drug paraphernalia possession charges, along with facing two outstanding warrants. Ali Abdulrahman Alghaithi, a 38-year-old San Francisco resident, is facing a slew of charges, including possession for sale of methamphetamine, bookmaking, and possession of illegal weapons such as a switchblade and brass knuckles.
Two younger San Francisco residents were also caught up in the sweep. 21-year-old Elias Matalka and 24-year-old Dante Francisco Osorio both face charges of participating in illegal gambling and multiple counts of bookmaking, among others. The SFPD has confirmed that despite these arrests, the investigation remains active, and they urge anyone with information related to these or other gambling operations to come forward. Those wishing to provide tips can contact the SFPD at 1-415-575-4444 or send a message beginning with SFPD to TIP411.
