Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas was arrested Wednesday in connection with a federal indictment that alleges he operated a high-stakes illegal gambling ring alongside members of an Israeli transnational organized crime group. The operation was based out of an opulent Encino mansion that Arenas owned and reportedly leased out for poker nights that spiraled into a criminal enterprise.
The charges filed in the Central District of California, include one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, one count of operating said business, and one count of making false statements to federal investigators. Arenas, known as “Agent Zero” during his playing days, is scheduled to be arraigned in federal court in downtown Los Angeles later today.
According to the unsealed indictment, Arenas and five co-defendants ran the operation from September 2021 through July 2022. The most alarming name among them is Yevgeni “Giora” Gershman, 49, a suspected high-ranking figure in an Israeli organized crime syndicate.
Together with Evgenni Tourevski, Allan Austria, Yarin Cohen, and Ievgen Krachun, the group allegedly turned the Encino property into a secret gambling den featuring “Pot Limit Omaha” and other high-stakes poker games.
The indictment details a calculated operation. At Arenas’ direction, co-conspirator Arthur Kats staged the property to resemble a luxury casino lounge. Poker tables were arranged, high-end chefs and valets were hired, and even armed security ensured privacy and protection for VIP guests.
The games were reportedly raked meaning a cut of each pot went to the house and players were carefully curated by the group to ensure discretion and deep pockets.
One of the more troubling aspects of the operation involved the employment of young women, allegedly hired by Gershman to serve drinks, provide massages, and offer companionship to the gamblers.
These women were also taxed on their earnings, with a percentage being funneled back into the illegal operation. Krachun, meanwhile, served as the “chip runner,” managing player payouts and tracking game wins and losses.
This wasn’t just about gambling. Gershman and another individual, Valentina Cojocari, were also charged with conspiracy to commit marriage fraud. In early 2022, Gershman allegedly entered into a sham marriage with Cojocari to obtain legal permanent residency in the United States.
Both are accused of making false statements on immigration documents, including denying prior legal detentions and intentions to engage in criminal behavior.
The investigation was spearheaded by Homeland Security Investigations, the LAPD Major Crimes Division, and IRS Criminal Investigation, and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Transnational Organized Crime Section.
Arenas, who earned over $160 million during his NBA career, had been a polarizing figure even in retirement, known for his candid podcast appearances and past legal issues. This latest arrest marks a stunning fall from grace and could carry significant legal consequences. If convicted, Arenas and the other defendants each face up to five years in federal prison per count.
As the story unfolds, more layers of this underground poker empire and its bizarre ties to international crime are likely to emerge.
