Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas has been arrested in connection with an alleged illegal gambling ring centered around high-stakes poker games held at a mansion he owned in Encino, California. The arrest is part of a wider federal investigation involving multiple suspects and serious charges.
Details of the Allegations
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Arenas, 43, also known 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
The indictment alleges that Arthur Kats, 51, helped Arenas coordinate the operation by staging the mansion for poker games, recruiting co-conspirators, and collecting rent from them on Arenas behalf.
Others Involved
In total, seven people have been charged. Alongside Arenas and Kats, the others include:
Yevgeni Gershman'(49 suspected organized crime figure from Israel)
Evgenni Tourevski, 48
Allan Austria , 52
Yarin Cohen, 27
Ievgen Krachun, 43
Authorities allege that Gershman, Tourevski, Austria, and Cohen ran illegal poker games such as Pot Limit Omaha,collected a rake from each hand, and employed chefs, valets, security, and young women to provide services during the events. These women were allegedly taxed for the opportunity to work the games.
Krachun is accused of acting as a chip runner, tracking players wins and losses and distributing chips.
Immigration Fraud Charges
Gershman and Valentina Cojocari, 35, face additional charges of:
Conspiracy to commit marriage fraud
Marriage fraud
Making false statements on immigration documents
Prosecutors say Gershman entered a sham marriage with Cojocari to obtain U.S. permanent residency. Both allegedly submitted false information on immigration forms and denied involvement in illegal activity.
What's Next
All defendants are scheduled to appear for arraignment in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. Each charge carries a potential sentence of up to five years in federal prison.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the LAPD Major Crimes Division, and IRS Criminal Investigation.
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