Federal prosecutors charged former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas and five others on Wednesday for running illegal high-stakes poker games at his Encino, Los Angeles mansion from September 2021 to July 2022.
Arenas, 43, known as “Agent Zero” during his NBA career, faces three felony counts: conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators.
Details of the Illegal Operation
Arenas allegedly rented his Encino mansion to host the illicit poker games, which included Pot Limit Omaha variants.
He directed Arthur Kats, 51, to stage the home, recruit co-conspirators, and collect rent.
The operation charged a “rake,” a fee taken from each pot, and hired chefs, valets, armed security, and women to serve drinks, provide massages, and offer companionship, taking 25–35% of their tips.
Co-Defendants and Organized Crime Link
The indictment names Yevgeni Gershman, 49, a suspected member of an Israeli organized crime group, alongside Evgenni Tourevski, 48, Allan Austria, 52, Yarin Cohen, 27, and Ievgen Krachun, 43.
All face charges of conspiracy and operating an illegal gambling business. Gershman and Valentina Cojocari, 35, also face charges of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, marriage fraud, and making false statements on immigration documents for a sham marriage to secure Gershman’s US residency.
Arenas’ False Statements
Prosecutors allege Arenas lied to US Customs and Border Protection in September 2022, denying involvement in the gambling ring despite evidence, including a custom “Arenas Poker Club” table with his name and jersey number.
Text messages show him discussing rake profits and game logistics with Kats, including a plan to send money to the mother of a deceased former lover.
Court Appearance and Next Steps
Arenas pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in Los Angeles on Wednesday, securing release on a $50,000 bond.
His trial is scheduled for September 23, 2025, before US District Judge Mark C. Scarsi. If convicted, each defendant faces up to five years in prison per count. Arenas’ attorney, Jerome Friedberg, emphasized his client’s presumption of innocence.
Arenas’ NBA Legacy and Personal Life
A three-time All-Star, Arenas played 11 NBA seasons, primarily with the Washington Wizards, earning over $160 million. His career faced controversy in 2009 when he and teammate Javaris Crittenton drew guns in a locker room dispute over a card game, leading to a 50-game suspension. Arenas now hosts the popular podcast “Gil’s Arena.”
His son, Alijah Arenas, a USC freshman basketball star, is sidelined for 6–8 months due to a knee injury from a Tesla Cybertruck crash.
Impact and Public Reaction
Arenas downplayed the charges on Instagram, The case, involving allegations of organized crime and immigration fraud, highlights the complexity of the operation, which included up to 26 players and over a dozen staff at events.
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