Disgraced US lobbyist and partner jailed for $23m fraud

The disgraced former lobbyist Jack Abramoff and a business partner have been sentenced to five years and 10 months in federal prison, the minimum they faced for fraud related to their purchase in 2000 of the SunCruz Casinos gambling fleet.

Abramoff and Adam Kidan both pleaded guilty to conspiracy and wire fraud. The judge postponed their reporting date for at least 90 days so the two can continue co-operating in a Washington corruption investigation, and a Florida inquiry into the killing of former SunCruz owner Konstantinos Boulis. Both deny roles in the killing. Abramoff pleaded guilty in connection with the corruption inquiry, but has yet to be sentenced.

US District Judge Paul Huck also ordered them to pay restitution of more than $21m (£12m). The pair admitted concocting a fake $23m wire transfer to make it appear they had made a large cash contribution to the $147.5m purchase of SunCruz Casinos. Based on that fake transfer, lenders provided the pair with $60m in financing.