Money launderers jailed after spending thousands in casinos
Four West Midlands men have been jailed for their roles in a money laundering conspiracy involving a £1.8m VAT fraud.
The scheme saw the men launder major sums of cash from other organised criminal gangs, by passing thousands of pounds over casino tables to disguise the banknotes' source.
The money laundered included profits from drug trafficking, counterfeiting and credit card fraud, according to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
The defendants used the stolen funds to enjoy "extravagant and luxurious lifestyles", boasting properties, performance cars and designer jewellery.
They were sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court, having been found guilty of offences in relation to the conspiracy.
Harvinder Singh Batth, 32, of Roman Lane, Little Aston, Staffordshire, described by HMRC as a "a principal player" in the VAT fraud and money laundering racket, was sentenced to a total of nine years in prison.
Sukhjinder Singh Shergill, 32, of Snapdragon Drive, Walsall, who was involved in the VAT fraud, was sentenced to a total of seven-and-a-half years in prison. Both men were disqualified from being a company director for 15 years.
Suckjit Singh Birring, 36, of Weeford Drive, Sutton Coldfield, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison.
Jatinder Singh Salh, 35, of Harvestfields Lane, Sutton Coldfield, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison. They acted as gamblers and couriers for the money laundering activities.
A fifth man, Jasbinder Singh Bedesha, will be sentenced on Friday.
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