NBA Star Gilbert Arenas and Co-Conspirators Arrested for Illegal High-Stakes Poker Games

Gilbert Arenas and Co-Conspirators Arrested for Running Illegal Poker Operation

Gilbert Arenas, a former NBA All-Star, has been arrested in connection with an illegal poker operation that allegedly ran from his Encino mansion. The U.S. Justice Department announced the charges on July 30, 2025. Arenas, along with five co-conspirators, faces serious charges related to the operation of a high-stakes poker business, including conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and making false statements to investigators.

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The Alleged Poker Operation

Arenas, 43, is accused of renting out his mansion in Encino, California, to host private, high-stakes poker games from September 2021 to July 2022. At the direction of Arenas, his associate Arthur Kats reportedly arranged the mansion for the games, found co-conspirators to assist in the operation, and collected rent from them on Arenas’ behalf.

Although hosting private poker games is not inherently illegal, collecting a “rake” or fee from each pot is. According to the indictment, the five co-conspirators, including Yevgeni Gershman, a suspected Israeli crime figure, managed the illegal Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) games, collecting a rake from every hand played.

Roles of the Co-Conspirators

Key Players in the Poker Scheme

• Yevgeni Gershman (49), suspected of ties to Israeli organised crime, is accused of managing the illegal poker games, hiring women to provide drinks and companionship, and collecting tips from the players.
  
• Evgenni Tourevski (48), Allan Austria (52), Yarin Cohen (27), and Ievgen Krachun (43), all of whom played various roles in the operation, including managing the games and overseeing finances.

Krachun, described as the “chip runner,” was responsible for distributing chips and managing the payroll for the operation.

Lavish Surroundings and Unlawful Activities

The poker games at Arenas’ mansion were reportedly not only high-stakes but also lavish in nature. They included personal chefs, valets, and armed security guards to ensure a safe and exclusive environment for the players. Additionally, young women were hired to serve drinks, offer massages, and provide companionship to the players. These women were required to pay a “tax” on their tips, adding another illegal layer to the operation.

Marriage Fraud Allegations

In addition to the gambling charges, Gershman and 35-year-old Valentina Cojocari face additional charges related to marriage fraud. The Justice Department alleges that Gershman paid Cojocari to enter into a sham marriage, which allowed him to obtain permanent legal status in the United States. Gershman is also accused of falsifying information on his immigration documents, including questions about his previous law enforcement detentions and involvement in illegal gambling.

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Legal Consequences and Court Proceedings

The six individuals arrested in connection to the illegal poker operation are set to be arraigned in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. If convicted, they face significant legal penalties, including up to five years in prison for each count of operating an illegal gambling business or conspiracy to do so.

FAQs

1. What charges does Gilbert Arenas face?
Arenas is charged with conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to investigators.

2. What role did Yevgeni Gershman play in the operation?
Gershman managed the poker games, hired women for companionship and tips, and was involved in marriage fraud to obtain legal status in the U.S.

3. How was the illegal poker operation described?
The operation was described as luxurious, featuring chefs, armed security, and hired women who served drinks, gave massages, and provided companionship to the players.

4. What are the charges against the other co-defendants?
The other co-defendants face charges of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and operating an illegal gambling business.

5. What additional charges are Gershman and Cojocari facing?
They are charged with conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, marriage fraud, and making false statements on immigration documents.

Content Courtesy: The Hindu