Aldo d’Aponte, a businessman and CEO of Arbitrage Group Properties, has pleaded guilty to using AI-generated false statements in an attempt to prevent the reopening of Heaven nightclub in central London.
- Sentence: 12-month conditional discharge, £85 costs, and a £26 victim surcharge.
- Method: AI-generated letters sent via encrypted email pretending to be from non-existent neighbors.
- Legal Charge: Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003 (knowingly or recklessly making a false statement).
AI-Generated False Statements in Licensing Case
D’Aponte, 47, admitted to writing two letters posing as neighbors to object to the reopening of the LGBTQ venue. The letters were submitted during a council hearing to oppose the club’s return to operation.
The scheme was uncovered by Philip Kolvin KC, a planning lawyer who investigated the letters pro bono. Kolvin became suspicious of the unusual character of the objections and used an AI detection generator, which identified the text as almost certainly artificial.
Further research revealed that the individuals listed as the authors of the complaints did not exist or did not reside at the addresses provided. Police later traced the IP addresses linked to the letters back to d’Aponte.
Context of the Dispute
Heaven had its license suspended in November 2024 following a rape allegation against a security guard. While the club was eventually allowed to reopen with enhanced security and welfare policies, the worker involved was later found not guilty of the offense.
D’Aponte had also submitted his own legitimate representation to Westminster council. He and his husband claimed that the club’s noise and customers disturbed their home, arguing the venue was “fundamentally at odds with family and community life.”
Defense and Police Warnings
Saba Naqshbandi KC, representing d’Aponte, described the incident as a “foolish and desperate act” that was out of character. She stated the businessman’s family had suffered from constant nuisance caused by the venue for eight years.
Following the hearing, d’Aponte expressed regret for his actions but reiterated his frustration, stating that the proprietors must take steps to better coexist with the local community and protect the wellbeing of neighbors.
A Metropolitan police source noted that the use of AI to generate letters from non-existent complainants is a growing issue. Police are currently exploring two further live cases regarding false representations written by AI.
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