Former National Basketball Association player Gilbert Arenas was arrested yesterday, along with five other suspects, including an alleged member of an Israeli crime syndicate. The group was arrested following allegations that they ran illicit gambling games, notably poker, in the California mansion of Arenas.

Former NBA standout Gilbert Arenas was arrested Wednesday along with five others in connection with an illegal gambling operation allegedly run out of his luxury Encino mansion. The federal indictment unsealed today claims the group, which included a suspected Israeli crime figure, operated high-stakes poker games and profited from unlawful gambling activity.

Arenas, 43, known as 'Agent Zero,' faces three federal charges: conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling enterprise, operating an illegal gambling enterprise, and making untrue statements to federal investigators. He is scheduled to appear in US District Court in Los Angeles for arraignment.

Organized poker ring allegedly tied to Israeli crime network

Authorities say Arenas collaborated with Yevgeni Gershman, 49, also known as 'Giora,' a suspected high-ranking member of a multinational Israeli crime syndicate. The indictment alleges that from September of 2021 to July of 2022, the group ran illicit poker games, primarily 'Pot Limit Omaha,' at an Encino property owned by Arenas. He allegedly rented out the mansion specifically to facilitate these operations.

In addition to Arenas and Gershman, the indicted defendants include:

  • 48-year old Evgenni Tourevski, a.k.a. 'Eugene,' from Tarzana
  • 52-year old Allan Austria, a.k.a. 'Elica,' from West Hills
  • 27-year old Yarin Cohen, a.k.a. 'YC,' from Tarzana
  • 43-year old Ievgen Krachun, from Tarzana

All are charged with conspiracy and operating an illegal gambling business and are expected to appear in federal court today.

Lavish setup included staff, security, and entertainment

According to the indictment, Arenas enlisted 51-year old Arthur Kats from West Hollywood to prepare the mansion for gambling events. Kats recruited co-conspirators, arranged logistics, and collected rent from game organizers on Arenas' behalf.

Gershman and several co-defendants are accused of managing the poker sessions, collecting rakes from each hand, and inviting players to participate. The games reportedly included full-service operations with hired valets, chefs, and even armed security guards. Additionally, young women were brought in to serve drinks, give massages, and offer companionship to players, all in exchange for tips. These women, however, were forced to pay a percentage of their earnings - dubbed a 'tax' - back to the organizers. Krachun's role as a 'chip runner' involved distributing chips, tracking players' wins and losses, and ensuring staff were paid accordingly.

In addition to the gambling charges, Gershman faces three more counts alongside 35-year-old Valentina Cojocari of Woodland Hills. The two are accused of entering into a sham marriage to fraudulently obtain permanent US residency for Gershman. Prosecutors say they provided false information on immigration forms, including denying prior detentions and intent to engage in illegal activities. Cojocari was also arrested today and is due in court this afternoon.

Potential penalties and ongoing investigation

If they are convicted, each defendant could face up to five years in federal prison per charge. The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (Northridge), IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Los Angeles Police Department's Major Crimes Division & Transnational Organized Crime Section.

Prosecutors from the US Attorney's Office in the Central District of California are leading the case. Assistant US Attorney Samuel J. Diaz is prosecuting, with asset forfeiture proceedings handled by Assistant US Attorney Ryan J. Waters. As always, defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.