Phoenix hotel seized and closed by officials, citing criminal charges and violations

PHOENIX – Officials have announced the seizure and closure of the Royal Inn in Phoenix, citing criminal charges, travel law violations, money laundering and drug offenses as reasons.

Video from the scene Tuesday morning showed a large police presence around the property near Interstate 17 and Bethany Home Road.

The U.S. Department of Justice said Tuesday that U.S. Attorney Gary M. Restaino, the FBI and Phoenix police officials will speak about the incident at a press conference Tuesday afternoon.

ABC15 plans to live stream the press conference online and on streaming devices starting at 1:30 p.m.

The investigations reportedly concern “drug-related and other crimes,” including money laundering, as well as “violations of the Federal Travel Act.”

The Travel Act prohibits a range of illegal and organised criminal activities. Further details of the Royal Inn investigation have not yet been released.

Officials said criminal charges were also pending against individual persons.

Stay with ABC15 to stay updated on this developing story.