Loss of Liberty and Assets for Money Laundering/Illegal Poker

The London Borough of Enfield prosecuted Ahmet Melin for operating an illegal Poker Den at the Big Bluff Private members club in Palmers Green which was licensed as a non-profit making private members club.

In relation to money laundering offences, Mr Melin was found guilty on five counts of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and initially received a sentence of 15 months imprisonment.   

In an additional twist, this week Wood Green Crown Court ruled that Mr Melin had made in excess of £400,000 running the illegal Poker Club and that his current assets of around £50,000 should be forfeited.  Not content with this, Counsellor Anderson from Enfield Council has stated that “We will seek to recover more if we discover Melin has further assets”.

This shows the effectiveness of co-operative working between the Gambling Commission and Local Authority.