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Pavlos “Paul” Kaimacliotis, a citizen of both the US and Cypriot, won’t be granted bail following accusations that he conspired to kidnap a wealthy Palm Beach Gardens businessman for $20 million in order to avenge losses from high stakes poker games.
"Notwithstanding the defendant's apparent withdrawal at one point in the crime, the fact remains that the government's evidence is substantial that the defendant was involved in one of the most serious and dangerous types of crime ... kidnapping with possible dismemberment and death," the judge said.
Kaimacliotis was also deemed a flight risk.
Federal prosecutor Robert Waters Jr. said Kaimacliotis had gotten himself wrapped up in a "violent, dangerous kidnapping conspiracy" and should not be granted bond because he is both a danger to the community and a flight risk because of his overseas ties and his family's wealth, according to the Sun-Sentinel.
The paper noted that Kaimacliotis and his wife own a successful tile and marble store in Lake Park and own their $260,000 home outright, the lawyer said. Kaimacliotis' mother and uncle were also willing to put up a $900,000 property they own in New Port Richey to secure a bond.
Another man, 50-year-old Michael Melillo of Palm Beach Gardens, is the suspected mastermind of the plot. Melillo had once practiced law in the state of New Jersey but informed Bar authorities he would no longer be practicing due his relocation to Florida. Federal agents were tipped off about the alleged plot, leading to the arrests.
The target of the kidnapping is yet to be identified.
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
