Drug trafficking conviction: Salman Behbehani, professional poker player, receives six-year prison sentence in Majorca.
Headline: High-rolling Poker Pro Salman Behbehani Faces Six Years in Spanish Prison for Drug Smuggling
Byline: By Miriam Prellwitz, Edited by Angela Burke, Published on: 25.03.2025. Updated on: 24.04.2025.
Six-Year Imprisonment and €30,000 Fine
Poker pro Salman Behbehani, 37, faces a 6-year prison term and a fine of €30,000 for smuggling drugs into Ibiza, as reported by various outlets, including the Mallorca Magazine.
The trial against the poker pro and DJ commenced in late February, and the verdict was recently handed down. Behbehani's legal team has the opportunity to appeal the decision, given the gravity of the sentencing.
Cocaine, Ketamine, and Cannabis
The incident took place on July 16, 2021, when Behbehani flew on a private jet from Las Vegas to Ibiza, with approximately 30 passengers. Spanish authorities searched the aircraft upon landing at 3:30 a.m., suspecting the situation to be unusual.
The search led to the discovery of a drug case containing large amounts of cocaine, marijuana, ketamine, and other substances, totaling approximately 1.5 kg and valued at over €26,000. Significant amounts of cash in various currencies were also seized. Behbehani allegedly admitted to ownership of the drugs, while his fellow passengers corroborated the claim.
A Calm Response
Remarkably, Behbehani was said to maintain a calm demeanor throughout the search of his private jet and during the trial proceedings, according to a Spanish police officer. He is reported to have arrived half an hour late for his trial last week.
Background
Originally hailing from one of the wealthiest families in Kuwait, Behbehani was born in the USA and holds U.S. citizenship. Prior to his career as a poker pro, he gained recognition as a DJ. As a poker player, he has accumulated winnings of over $3.3 million USD (approx. €3.06 million) on his Hendon Mob profile, with his largest win being in 2011 at the Main Event of the Partouche Poker Tour - PPT Cannes.
The Road Ahead
The prosecutor initially demanded a prison sentence of nine years and a fine of €53,000, but the verdict was less severe. Behbehani's legal team has raised concerns about the chain of evidence during the trial, claiming that the drugs were not found in Behbehani's suitcase. The current status of his case is unclear, as the verdict is not yet final, and it remains to be seen whether Behbehani will remain at large during the appeal process.
[1] Note: Information regarding Salman Behbehani's legal team appeal, trial proceedings, or current status is limited. For a more comprehensive understanding, consult official court documents, recent news updates, or press releases from his legal team.
- What about Salman Behbehani's legal team's appeal in the drug smuggling case? The current status remains unclear as the verdict is not yet final.
- Salman Behbehani, a high-rolling poker pro and DJ, who has accumulated winnings of over $3.3 million USD, was recently handed down a 6-year prison term for smuggling drugs.
- Reports claim that large amounts of cocaine, marijuana, ketamine, and other substances, totaling approximately 1.5 kg and valued at over €26,000, were found on Behbehani's private jet during a search in Ibiza.
- The trial against Behbehani commenced in late February, and he was said to maintain a calm demeanor throughout the proceedings, as reported by a Spanish police officer.
- The verdict was recently handed down in the trial against Salman Behbehani and various media outlets, including Mallorca Magazine, have reported on the outcome.
- Originally hailing from one of the wealthiest families in Kuwait, Salman Behbehani, was born in the USA and holds U.S. citizenship, with a career as a poker pro and DJ under his belt.
