Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas has been arrested and indicted for allegedly running an illegal gambling operation involving high-stakes poker games at a luxury mansion in Encino, California.
The federal indictment, unsealed July 30 in Los Angeles, links the ex-Washington Wizards guard to a broader conspiracy involving six other individuals, including a suspected high-level member of an Israeli transnational organized crime group.
Illegal Gambling Allegations Against Gilbert Arenas
Arenas, 43, known by fans as “Agent Zero,” faces three federal charges:
- Conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business
- Operating an illegal gambling business
- Making false statements to federal investigators
Federal prosecutors allege that from September 2021 to July 2022, Arenas leased out a mansion he owned in Encino to host unlicensed high-stakes poker games. At his direction, a co-conspirator helped stage the property, recruit staff, and collect rent from the organizers.
The Arenas gambling games featured pot-limit Omaha and other poker variants, with house operators charging players a rake—a fee taken from each pot, either as a fixed amount or a percentage.
Others Arrested in the Arenas Gambling Operation
Also indicted and arrested:
- Yevgeni Gershman, 49, a.k.a. “Giora,” of Woodland Hills – alleged Israeli organized crime figure
- Evgenni Tourevski, 48, a.k.a. “Eugene,” of Tarzana
- Allan Austria, 52, a.k.a. “Elica,” of West Hills
- Yarin Cohen, 27, a.k.a. “YC,” of Tarzana
- Ievgen Krachun, 43, of Tarzana
Each is charged with conspiracy and illegal gambling offenses. Gershman faces additional charges for immigration fraud tied to a sham marriage scheme.
Inside the Gilbert Arenas Poker Mansion
Gilbert Arenas allegedly kept a gambling house.
According to the indictment, Gershman, Tourevski, Austria, and Cohen managed the gambling nights, collected rake fees, and invited wealthy players.
The operation also hired young women to serve drinks, give massages, and offer companionship in exchange for tips. These workers were reportedly required to pay a cut of their earnings as a “tax” to the house.
The illegal gambling venue employed chefs, valets, and even armed guards. Krachun allegedly worked as a “chip runner,” tracking player winnings and losses and paying staff.
Marriage Fraud and Immigration Charges
Gershman and a co-defendant, Valentina Cojocari, 35, also face charges of marriage fraud and lying on federal immigration documents.
Prosecutors claim the pair faked a marriage so Gershman, an Israeli national, could gain permanent U.S. residency.
Both are accused of submitting false answers regarding Gershman’s criminal history and involvement in gambling.
Potential Penalties and Ongoing Investigation
If convicted, each defendant faces up to five years in federal prison per charge.
The Gilbert Arenas gambling investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Los Angeles Police Department’s Transnational Organized Crime Section, and the IRS Criminal Investigation Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel J. Diaz is prosecuting the case, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan J. Waters is overseeing asset forfeiture.
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