A nightclub owner has been charged with a string of financial offences linked to his riverside venue.

Franco Lumba was today charged with money laundering, cheating the public revenue, and nine offences relating to mortgage fraud.

The allegations are linked to Essence nightclub, which overlooks the Thames on Bucklands Wharf, near Kingston Bridge.

The club describes itself as “Kingston’s most exclusive venue” on its website, and claims to be regularly frequented by professional sportsmen, celebrity actors and well-known musicians.

It was temporarily closed last summer after Mr Lumba was arrested on suspicion of money laundering on June 8, 2011.

Kingston Council’s licensing committee later allowed it to reopen with restricted opening hours.

The 44-year-old, who lives in St Margarets Road, Twickenham, also owns the former Gala Bingo Hall in Richmond Road, which is at the centre of controversial plans to turn it into an entertainment arena.

The plans were thrown out by Kingston councillors in September 2011 after a massive campaign by north Kingston residents.

Mr Lumba’s lawyers are challenging this decision, and the restrictions on Essence, at a five-day hearing scheduled for Richmond Magistrates’ Court starting on April 16.

Mr Lumba will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, February 13.