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The former producer of Showtime’s popular “Ray Donovan” cable television series, Bryan Zuriff, has escaped prison time for his role in a Russian Mob-run illegal gambling ring.
A judge sentenced Zuriff to six months of home confinement, two years of probation, 300 hours of community service and a $20,000 fine. The announcement came from U.S. District Court Judge Jesse Furman at a hearing in a New York courtroom on Monday.
Prior to sentencing, the Hollywood community came out in support of Zuriff with a number of big name actors and producers drafting letters to the judge. Zuriff himself plead for leniency.
The gambling ring was reportedly financed by Alimzhan Tokhtakhounov, who is described by prosecutors as a “made member” of a Russian organized-crime gang known as the Taiwanchik-Trincher Organization.” The indictment alleges that Tokhtakhounov acted as a "protector" for the group.
In addition to the high stakes poker games, the group operated a massive sports betting ring out of the Ukraine and Russia with the indictment claiming that funds were laundered in the US via bank accounts located in Cyprus. Authorities also assert that the enterprises laundered $100 million from illegal gambling including poker games attended by celebrities and pro athletes.
Tokhtakhounov was alleged by prosecutors to have worked in conjunction with Helly Nahmad gallery owner Hillel Nahmad, who plead guilty two weeks ago and is yet to be sentenced. The wealthy gallery owner leased space within the Carlisle Hotel, hence, the raid.
Zuriff’s role in the operation is believed to be less prominent. He plead guilty back in July to use of a financial instrument in connection with unlawful Internet gambling after originally claiming “no wrongdoing”. In all, 34 people were arrested last April, charged in their connection to the illegal sports betting and poker ring.
In arguing for probation, Zuriff’s attorney Claimed his affiliation with “Ray Donovan” was at risk and a harsh sentence would have adverse repercussions for series. Zuriff has temporarily stepped down from his duties as Executive Producer for the show.
The judge agreed that jail time would "serve no purpose".
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
