 After the outbreak of the Second World War, Sabini was arrested at Hove Greyhound Stadium in April 1940 and interned as an enemy alien, despite his mixed parentage and inability to speak Italian.His internment on the Isle of Man lost him his position of authority in the racketeering industry in London and southern England.He was released in 1941, but in 1943 found guilty of receiving stolen goods and sentenced to 3 years in prison.