Closed clubs leave downtown void--Yassine Enterprises under federal investigation
AUSTIN (KXAN) - Swept into a massive drug, firearms, and money laundering investigation, a trio of Austin brothers is leaving a financial ripple effect after the closure of eight bars operated by Yassine Enterprises - their family company.
Owner Hussein Ali Mike Yassine and his brothers Mohammed Ali Steve and Hadi Ali are among ten suspects arrested in the federal case that now includes an unsolved homicide of a former Yassine business partner, plus possible ties to the Islamic group Hezbollah and a deadly prison gang.
Federal agents raided the nightclubs last week after evidence revealed multiple drug deals and weapons violations inside. Now, the businesses are closed and have notices from the Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission posted in their windows, barring them from serving or selling alcohol and making it nearly impossible to bring in money there.
The eight bars include: Pure, Spill, Kiss & Fly, Treasure Island, Hyde, Fuel, Malaia, and Roial. A hearing is to be held at which TABC is expected to revoke all the liquor licenses. A date has not been announced for the hearing.
More at http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/austin/closed-clubs-leave-downtown-void