First Sentence In 'Taivanchik'-Related Gambling Case

Alimzhan Tokhtakhunov, aka Taivanchik

The first sentence has been pronounced in the United States in the case of an illegal gambling ring allegedly led by reputed Russian crime boss Alimzhan Tokhtakhunov, known as "Taivanchik."

The U.S. District Court in New York sentenced Hollywood producer Bryan Zuriff on November 26 to six months of home confinement, two years of probation, 300 hours of community service and a $20,000 fine.

Zuriff was one of 34 people indicted in April for his role in a high-stakes sports-betting enterprise with alleged connections to Tokhtakhunov.

Investigators say the Tokhtakhunov-led ring laundered tens of millions of dollars.

Tokhtakhunov, who is of Central Asian background, lives openly in Moscow.

He is wanted in the United States for alleged money laundering, extortion, and illegal gambling.


Based on reporting by holywoodreporter.com, washingtonpost.com, and ITAR-TASS