Poker Pro Justin Smith Sentenced for Role in Russian Mob Run Gambling Ring
Kissimmee, Florida resident Justin “BoostedJ” Smith has been sentenced to probation for his involvement in an illegal gambling ring with ties to the Russian Mob. The poker pro, who has won over $2.1 million in live tournaments to date, was sentenced to three months of home confinement and 200 hours of community service.
Smith, 26, pled guilty last August to a single charge of aiding and abetting. He was one of a number of high profile individuals who were indicted last spring. A producer for the Showtime hit series “Ray Donovan” was sentenced to six months of home confinement in November. The owner of a prestigious New York City art gallery and the hostess for a series of high stakes poker games involving celebrities and professional athletes were among those indicted.
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, is yet to be sentenced. He was ordered to pay a $6.6 million fine. The wealthy gallery owner leased space within the Carlisle Hotel, hence, the raid.
Smith is perhaps best known for winning the World Poker Tour London Poker Classic in 2010 though some of his biggest cashes have occurred at multiple Bellagio WPT poker events in which he placed among the final five finishers.
- Ace King, Gambling911.com
