Published Apr 15, 2011 at 1:11 pm (Updated Apr 15, 2011)

http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20110415/NEWS/704159892/1001/news06

A prosecutor today recommended that a man who money laundered $2.2 million of profits from his illegal gaming den should be jailed for six to eight years.

Chief Justice Richard Ground is now considering the appropriate sentence for Roger Cox, whose case is the biggest money-laundering case ever prosecuted in Bermuda.

Cox’s lawyer, John Perry QC, told Mr Justice Ground his client admits running an illegal gambling den in addition to his legitimate air conditioning business.

Prosecutor Kirsty-Ann Kiellor told the judge that when police investigated Cox, 38, and raided his St George’s home, they found hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash.

They also found large amounts of cash in a bank safety deposit box rented by him.

Ms Kiellor said Cox used a network of 33 people to launder his illegal cash through a range of methods including bank drafts, Western Union transfers, foreign currency purchases and carrying cash out of Bermuda.

She said many of those people were arrested and questioned and found to have no idea they were assisting in a criminal enterprise.

Cox pleaded guilty in March to laundering $338,920 of dirty cash found in his house, and $369,640 found in his bank deposit box.

He also admitted transferring or removing $1,579,296 from Bermuda, which was the proceeds of crime, to help him avoid prosecution.

Cox also signed an order allowing the courts to confiscate $1.47 million in assets including the cash found in his home and bank box, the contents of bank accounts and jewellery purchased during the course of his illegal activity.

Ms Kiellor said Cox used his illegally-earned money to fit out his family home and live a lifestyle beyond his means.

A long-term friend of Cox’s, former bookkeeper Michelle Lindsay, 49, is also facing sentencing for helping him launder $24,950.

Ms Kiellor explained the cash, which was Cox’s, was put into Lindsay’s bank accounts by a third party and then transferred by her back to Cox at a later date.

Lindsay’s lawyer, Larry Mussenden, said she had no idea Cox ran an illegal gaming den and received no financial benefit from what she thought was a favour to her close friend of 12 years.

However, he admitted Lindsay, of Devonshire, suspected the money might be the proceeds of criminal conduct. She pleaded guilty in March to one count of money laundering.

Ms Kiellor suggested Lindsay should be jailed for three to six months for her role.

The prosecutor pointed out that money laundering is a serious offence that damages Bermuda’s international reputation.

Mr Justice Ground said he needed to consider the law and submissions from the prosecution and defence, so he will deliver the sentences on Tuesday morning.

Cox and Lindsay were bailed until then.

A third person charged in the case, Sumaya Lambe, from St George’s, had the charges dropped against her in March.

None of the other people said to have assisted Cox in his money-laundering scheme have been brought before the courts.