Poker Player Known as ‘The Don’ Convicted for $1.2 Billion UK Property Fraud

Submitted by Ace King on

Written by :

Ace King

Published on :

A Greek businessman, known as ‘The Don’ on the international poker circuit, has been convicted for a $1.2 billion United Kingdom property fraud.  Those convictions include two counts of conspiracy to defraud. 

Achilleas Kallakis, 44, and co-conspirator Alexander M. Williams, also 44, defrauded banks to borrow 740 million pounds ($1.18 billion) and acquire 16 properties, the U.K. Serious Fraud Office said in a statement.

The complaint alleges that the two men borrowed 29 million euros ($38.5 million) from the Bank of Scotland to convert a passenger ferry into a yacht for Kallakis’s use.

During the trial it was revealed that Kallakis used the fraud proceeds for a fleet of chauffeur-driven Bentleys, a private plane, helicopter, a luxury yacht moored in Monaco and a collection of high-value art, according to Bloomberg News.  

Kallakis finished 3rd in the 2005 888.com UK Open Shootout - No Limit Hold'em, winning $100,000.  This was his highest placement on the live poker tournament circuit to date. 

- Ace King, Gambling911.com

Lock-Poker-091312L.jpg

 

Related Content

Another Arrest Warrant Issued for Disgraced Nevada Sports Handicapper Vegas Dave

Another Arrest Warrant Issued for Disgraced Nevada Sports Handicapper Vegas Dave

David Oancea, known to his social media followers as Vegas Dave, was found in contempt of court once again after the social media influencer failed to show up for court proceedings in a protracted civil case in which he owes debtors tens of millions of dollars.
Feds: Hammond Indiana Area Alleged Gambling Ring Operator Sent Witnessess Death Threats From Church

Feds: Hammond Indiana Area Alleged Gambling Ring Operator Sent Witnessess Death Threats From Church

James "Jimmy the Greek" Gerodemos took video of flaming memorial candles in the back of a church, candles to honor the dead, and then sent the video to degenerate gamblers who owed money to his bookies, according to court filings.
Connecticut Former Funeral Director Who Gambled Away Families' Funds Enters Guilty Plea

Connecticut Former Funeral Director Who Gambled Away Families' Funds Enters Guilty Plea

Phillip Pietras, 51, is expected to be sentenced to more than seven years behind bars.
Prosecutors Identify 18 Allegedly Rigged Pitches for Emmanuel Case Trial

Prosecutors Identify 18 Allegedly Rigged Pitches for Emmanuel Clase Trial

Federal prosecutors have identified 18 pitches, including one from a 2024 playoff game, that they allege involved sharing with bettors.