Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas and five others were arrested on federal charges related to an alleged illegal gambling operation at a mansion in Encino, California. Authorities say the group, which included a suspected member of an Israeli organized crime network, ran high-stakes poker games between September 2021 and July 2022.
Arenas, 43, also known as “Agent Zero,” faces charges of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators. He is scheduled for his initial court appearance and arraignment in downtown Los Angeles.
The indictment also names Yevgeni Gershman (“Giora”), Evgenni Tourevski (“Eugene”), Allan Austria (“Elica”), Yarin Cohen (“YC”), and Ievgen Krachun. Each is charged with conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and operating an illegal gambling business. Their court appearances are set for this afternoon.
According to prosecutors, Arenas rented out his Encino property specifically for the poker games. Arthur Kats allegedly staged the mansion for these events, recruited co-conspirators to host them, and collected rent on Arenas’ behalf.
Authorities allege that Gershman, Tourevski, Austria, and Cohen managed the poker games—mainly “Pot Limit Omaha”—and collected a rake from each pot or hand played. They also invited players to participate in the games.
Gershman reportedly hired young women who served drinks, provided massages, and offered companionship to players in exchange for tips. These women were required to pay a percentage of their earnings as a “tax.” Chefs, valets, and armed security guards were also employed at the events.
Krachun worked as a chip runner responsible for tracking wins and losses among players, distributing chips, and paying employees.
Gershman faces additional charges along with Valentina Cojocari related to marriage fraud. Prosecutors allege that Gershman conspired with Cojocari in early 2022 to enter into a sham marriage so he could obtain permanent legal status in the United States. Both are accused of submitting false information on immigration forms regarding Gershman’s criminal history and intentions in the U.S.
Cojocari was also arrested today and will appear in court this afternoon.
“An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.”
If convicted on all counts, each defendant could face up to five years in federal prison per charge.
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations’ Northridge Office, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Major Crimes Division – Transnational Organized Crime Section, and IRS Criminal Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Samuel J. Diaz of the Transnational Organized Crime Section is prosecuting the case; Assistant United States Attorney Ryan J. Waters of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section is handling asset forfeiture matters.
