Alleged brains behind EPT Berlin robbery go on trial

Alleged brains behind EPT Berlin robbery go on trial

Friday, 27 August 2010

Two men have appeared in court this week accused of being the masterminds behind the daring raid at the European Poker Tour event at the Hyatt Hotel in Berlin in March. The pair, Ibrahim al Moussa and Mohammed Abou-Charka are alleged to have organized the four young men who carried out the raid.

31-year-old Al Moussa, who was playing in the tournament is alleged to have planned the robbery with 29-year-old Abou Charka accused of organising the getaway, waiting outside the venue in a black Mercedes. If convicted both men face up to 15 years in prison.


Four men aged between 19 and 21 were sentenced to spells in prison and juvenile detention centres for their role in the crime at a trial in June. The group received lesser sentences after agreeing to co-operate with police.


The two alleged ringleaders have been anything but co-operative with the authorities though, declining to make statements or give evidence at the trial. Lawyers for the men have said that they expect them to be acquitted as there is no physical evidence linking them to the robbery.


The gang made off with an estimated €242,000. So far only €5,000 has been recovered.


The trial is expected to continue until November.


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