Gambling Boat Raided by Police

As reported by the Royal Gazette: "Police and customs officials raided gambling boat Nio Be Corinthian yesterday while she was moored at St. David's. Numerous gaming machines, computers and documents were seized and the ship's captain was arrested.

"Lawyer Lewellyn Peniston, who acts for the vessel's owners Estrellas Management (BVI) Ltd, last night expressed outrage at the action. He hit out at the courts for giving permission for the raid to go ahead without notice and without chance for all the parties involved in the action to take part in a hearing.

"...The 196-foot luxury vessel has hit the headlines in the past owing to controversial plans to operate her offshore as a casino. Last year, customs officers raided the boat when she was moored in Dockyard over non payment of duty and failure to obtain the necessary permission to operate in local waters. An injunction halted that action..."

2006-08-14