Ex-NBA Star Gilbert Arenas Indicted in High-Stakes Illegal Gambling Ring
Los Angeles, CA – July 31, 2025 – Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, known during his playing days as “Agent Zero,” has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly operating an extensive illegal gambling business from a mansion he owned in Encino, California. The 43-year-old was arrested on Wednesday, July 30, along with five other individuals, including a suspected high-level member of an Israeli transnational organized crime group.
The indictment, unsealed yesterday, accuses Arenas of one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, one count of operating an illegal gambling business, and one count of making false statements to federal investigators. If convicted, Arenas faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each count.
Details of the Alleged Operation
According to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, the illegal operation ran from September 2021 to July 2022. Arenas allegedly rented out his Encino mansion specifically for hosting high-stakes poker games, primarily “Pot Limit Omaha,” but also other illicit games.
The indictment details a highly organized setup:
- Staging and Management: At Arenas’ direction, Arthur Kats, 51, of West Hollywood, was allegedly responsible for staging the mansion to accommodate the games, finding co-conspirators to host, and collecting rent on Arenas’ behalf.
- Game Operations: Yevgeni Gershman, 49, a suspected organized crime figure from Israel, along with Evgenni Tourevski, 48, Allan Austria, 52, Yarin Cohen, 27, and Ievgen Krachun, 43, allegedly managed the games. They reportedly collected a “rake”—a fee taken from each pot—and actively invited players.
- Support Staff: To enhance the experience, Gershman allegedly hired young women who, for tips, provided drinks, massages, and companionship to players. These women were reportedly subjected to a “tax” on their earnings. The operation also employed chefs, valets, and even armed security guards.
Co-Defendants and Additional Charges
Beyond the gambling charges, Yevgeni Gershman and Valentina Cojocari, 35, face three additional counts: conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, marriage fraud, and making a false statement on an immigration document. Authorities allege Gershman conspired with Cojocari to enter into a sham marriage to obtain permanent legal status in the U.S.
Court Appearance and Next Steps
Arenas appeared in court in downtown Los Angeles yesterday afternoon, Wednesday, July 30, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on a $50,000 bond. His trial has been scheduled for September 23. The other five defendants also made their initial appearances in United States District Court in Los Angeles yesterday.
Arenas’ Past Troubles
This isn’t Arenas’ first brush with legal issues. His NBA career, which spanned 11 seasons and included three All-Star selections, was famously derailed in the 2009-10 season when it was discovered he had brought guns into the Washington Wizards locker room and had an altercation with then-teammate Javaris Crittenton involving firearms. That incident led to an indefinite suspension from the NBA, with Arenas ultimately serving a 50-game ban.
The current indictment casts a further shadow over the legacy of the former basketball star, who now faces significant legal challenges stemming from these alleged illegal gambling activities.
