Nahmad Partied Hard Before Jail Stint: Had Role in Russian Mafia Gambling Ring

The New York Post this weekend reported that art gallery owner Helly Nahmad was spotted partying with the likes of magician David Blaine and other big name celebrities the weeks leading up to his 366 day jail sentence.

Nahmad (pictured left leaving with his high power attorney Ben Brafman) was convicted for his involvement in an illegal $100 million international gambling operation with ties to Hollywood high stakes poker games and the Russian Mafia. Nahmad had asked the court if he could use his family's fortune to fund an art appreciation charity for disadvantaged children in lieu of a jail sentence.

U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman told Hillel "Helly" Nahmad in Manhattan federal court at the time of his sentencing that allowing the gallery owner to stay free and start a proposed charity "would breed contempt for the law."

Speaking haltingly, Nahmad had told the judge that he was ashamed of letting his lifelong gambling habit cross a legal line.

"My family is a private family and I brought dishonor to it," Nahmad said in a courtroom packed with supporters. "I will never forgive myself for what I have done."

The New York Post writes of the month-long party:

The spy tells us the send-off to good times ended with a last supper of sorts, a West Village dinner with friends including magician David Blaine a few days ago.

Nahmad will be in good company at the “cushy” Otisville, New York Federal Correctional Institution.  His prison mates will include the likes of white collar criminals Kenneth Star and Walter Forbes.

- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com