Who is Mike Hassini? Former The Only Way Is Essex star who’s appeared in court for money laundering
MIKE Hassini is a former The Only Way Is Essex star, who found himself on the wrong side of the law.
The musclebound hunk shot to fame when he joined Towie in 2015 before being dumped by the show in 2018. Here's the lowdown on him...
Who is Mike Hassini ?
Born on October 19, 1994, Mike Hassini, 24, is a womanising reality TV star who joined Towie in 2015.
The self-confessed womaniser claims to have slept with more than 100 ladies.
Mike has recently become known for his commitment to the gym and regularly posts snaps of his bulky physique on social media.
But the beefcake left fans divided after posting a picture of himself with extreme muscles.
Mike is known for his musclebound body
Why was Mike in court?
In November 2018 Mike was spared jail for his role in a £450,000 diamond investment scam.
He admitted his part in the fraud that ran from late 2014 to February 2016.
Hassini got a 15-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, after he admitted money laundering at Basildon Crown Court.
The judge also ordered him to do 200 hours unpaid work.
The court last week heard he was one of 12 people convicted in scams involving 28 victims and investments of between £400,000 and £450,000.
They scammed people by cold calling them and claiming to make profits in the sale of coloured diamonds.
They also used the name of an established firm in the US and pinched their logo.
But the two companies were bogus and the cash was instead used to fund the criminals' lavish lifestyles.
Detective Chief Inspector Lee Morton, of Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “The fraud involved a sophisticated plan that targeted victims who were looking to experiment with their hard-earned money by making investments in different avenues.
“Little did they know that the companies involved were fake and were run by criminals wanting to fund lavish lifestyles.
“I want to thank the victims for their patience, co-operation and support and I hope the conclusion of this case offers some justice to their victims.”
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When was Mike Hassini axed from Towie?
Mike Hassini was axed from Towie at the start of 2018 in a dramatic show shake-up.
Mike was one of seven names to go, including Jack Rigden, Jordan Brook, Maddie Hooper, Ruby Lacey , Chris Clark and Amber Dowding.
A TV source said: “Towie is like a revolving door and producers are always on the lookout for new faces that can keep the show fresh.
“Mike is loved-up with a girlfriend off camera and has no real storylines to bring to the show but will continue to focus on his fitness and personal training."