This week, attorney for the bookmaker Joseph Ruff, Matthew Parrniello, stated that former player of Montreal Canadians, Thomas Vanek has 10 M$ in gambling debt. According to the agent of Vanek, Steve Bartle, it is an "absolute fantasy" and a "complete fabrication".
Statements followed confessions by Ruff who admitted in court have extorted $ 230,000 to Vanek earlier, as partial payment of the alleged debt of 10 M$.
Later, attorney of Vanek said the debts of the hockey player is closer to 2M$. Ruff pleaded guilty in Federal court last Friday for illegal gambling, conspiracy for extortion, and conspiracy to launder money.
The target of extortion was not identified in court, but Parrinello later identified the target as Thomas Vanek.
When Vanek made the payment of $ 230,000, he was playing for for the New York Islanders.
Vanek has not been threatened physically when he was collecting money, but Ruff has lied to him telling him that if he was not collecting this amount, it would be hurt.
Ruff has pleaded guilty to the charges and his sentence could be 41 months. In addition, he gave his home in Greece, $ 10,000 in various bank accounts and $ 10,000 already seized by the police.
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