Authorities say they’ve busted an illegal gambling ring with gang ties that was operating out of a Falls Church shopping center.
Officials seized more than $1 million in cash and confiscated 70 gambling machines when they executed search warrants at 13 businesses in Falls Church and one in Fairfax County on Thursday, according to Falls Church police. Most of the sites were stores and restaurants at the Eden Center, located at 6751 Wilson Blvd.
The illegal activity stems from the Dragon Family gang, which has intimidated businesses in the area, authorities said.
Police said 19 people were arrested on misdemeanor offenses that include gambling and fireworks violations. Additional arrests and felony charges are pending.
“Yesterday’s arrests and property seizures will help stem the flow of money that often funds other illegal activity in the region,” Falls Church Police Chief Harry Reitze said Friday in a statement.
