Council secures first prosecution for money laundering over gambling den

A London borough has become the first council in the UK successfully to prosecute an individual for money laundering in relation with the running of an illegal poker den.

Enfield Council prosecuted Ahmet Melin, 33, of Cheshunt in Hertfordshire, after enforcement officers discovered that the Big Bluff Private Members Club in Green Lanes, Palmers Green, was a front for an illegal poker club rather than the non-profit making private members club in line with its club gaming permit.

The club was raided in September 2012 by council officers as well as the Gambling Commission and the Metropolitan Police. It is no longer in operation.

The defendant denied the charges but on 10 April he was found guilty at Wood Green Crown Court of five offences of money laundering under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. He will be sentenced later this month (27 May).

Commercial poker operations require a casino licence but Enfield’s policy is not to issue casino licences to properties in its area.

Commenting on the case, the Gambling Commission said: “Because Big Bluff was operating large poker tournaments and all the profits from them were illegal they amounted to criminal assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act because Melin was withdrawing money from the club for his own purposes.”

Ian Davis, Enfield’s Director of Environment, said: “These are very serious offences and the council took robust action when it became clear the Big Bluff Private Members Club was a front for an illegal poker den.

“I’m pleased Enfield Council’s licensing enforcement, trading standards and legal teams worked together to bring this prosecution which sends out the very clear message that we do not tolerate any illegal gambling in this borough.”

Nick Tofiluk, the Gambling Commission’s Director of Regulatory Operations, said: "This is an excellent example of how a local authority with Gambling Commission support is dealing with illegal gambling in whatever guise it is presented. The message is simple – if you offer poker in a club and are breaking the law, action can and will be taken."