Mob Gambling Case Could Land Pakistan Man Deported, Killed

Abid Ghani was just your average Pakistani who fled his country looking for security in the United States. He found that security in Brooklyn for a period of time.

That time ended last February when he was arrested for fixing Joker Poker gambling machines for an illegal operation that was being run by the mob. Ghani insists he does not even know what the Mafia is.

Prosecutors claim that they have wire taps of Ghani speaking about the gambling machines. They also say they could have charged him with a lesser crime that was not a felony, however, they did not.

The stakes are high for Ghani. Athough it is unlikely he will receive any punishment outside of probation, there is a chance he is found guilty of a felony. In the event the latter happens, he will most likely be deported back to his homeland.

"It will be like a death sentence. A person like me will be shot for sure. They think you've sold yourself to America or you're a spy. I'd rather be dead here then alive there," said Ghani, to the Daily News.

While it is unlikely he will be convicted, defense attorney Saul Bienenfeld has the burden of keeping him from being convicted. "The government understands his situation and they sympathize. But they can't help me," said Bienenfeld.

Ghana is set to go to trial on July 21st in Brooklyn Federal Court.

June 24, 2008
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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