HOUSTON – Five people, including a Houston police officer, were arrested on Thursday as part of an ongoing operation in the Chinatown area, according to the Houston Police Department.
Officer Thomas Lam is facing charges of illegal gambling and money laundering.
He is also accused of providing protection for the operator of Café Thanh Quynh, an alleged illegal gambling establishment located at 10804 Bellaire Blvd.
Lam joins former Houston officers Larry Nguyen and Huy Ly who were arrested earlier this year for their ties to illegal gambling.
“I think (Lam) is a disgrace to the badge. He’s a disgrace to the uniform.” Chief Acevedo said.
More than $2.4 million in cash has been seized in the 2-year operation.
“Those are dollars that have never been taxed. Those are dollars cockroaches like cake…to a location,” District Attorney Kim Ogg said Friday morning. “And the cancer spreads internally and externally, and it is a crime driver for the neighborhood.”
Investigators said the café has hidden rooms where gamblers bet cash by playing gambling machines. Members of Kai Bang, a violent local gang, frequent the café.
Ogg said Lam was the one who would decide who came in and out of the establishment and acted as a bouncer and provided protection.
“The officer decided who could get through the door to gamble. He is a prolific gambler and he gambled away his career,” Ogg said.
The evidence shows the officer was a regular player at the café and had been seen there in uniform while on and off duty, Ogg said.
At a restaurant next door, employees said on Thursday they are just glad to see bad guys off the street.
“I never pay attention outside because I believe God takes care of everything. Basically, this place I hope God is always blessing.” said Vilan Tran.
Among the five men arrested on Thursday was the alleged owner of the facility, a manager and other game-room workers who would make cash payouts to clients.
So far, the joint operation by the District Attorney’s Office and the Houston Police Department has resulted in 41 arrests.
Those who were charged Thursday include:
- HPD Officer Thomas Lam, who has two charges related to operating an illegal game room (Class A Misdemeanors). He allegedly acted as owner/operator, determining who would and would not be allowed to enter the establishment.
- Vu The Vo, who is charged with money laundering.
- James Wang, who is charged with money laundering.
- Thy Nguyen, who is charged with money laundering.
- Andy Vo, who is charged with money laundering.