A man who made thousands of pounds running an illegal poker club in Palmers Green has been jailed for money laundering.

Ahmet Melin, 33, used his private members’ club, named the Big Bluff, as a front for the poker tournaments, which attracted high-rolling professional gamblers.

The operation exceeded the gaming licence held by the not-for-profit members’ club, and all the profts went directly into Melin’s account.

Trading standards raided the venue in September 2012 and Melin was arrested.

He was found guilty of five counts of money laundering in April and on Tuesday was jailed at Wood Green Crown Court for 15 months. The club has since been shut down.

Enfield Council’s cabinet member for environment Councillor Chris Bond said: “Enfield Council took swift and decisive action when we found out the Big Bluff Private Members’ Club was a front for an illegal poker den.

“I’m pleased Enfield Council’s licensing enforcement, trading standards and legal teams worked effectively together to bring this prosecution, which sends out the very clear message that we do not tolerate any illegal gambling in this borough.”