Former NBA Star Arenas Arrested in High-Stakes Illegal Gambling Bust

Gilbert Arenas, a former NBA player, was arrested today in Los Angeles along with five other defendants on suspicion of running an illicit gambling operation.

Maximum Penalty: 15 Years

Arenas participated in high-stakes poker games at a house he owned in Encino, California, according to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California. 

Operationally, the illicit gaming operation ran from September 2021 until July 2022.

Arenas, 43, is accused of giving false statements to federal agents, operating an unlawful gambling enterprise, and conspiring to operate an illegal gambling operation.  Arenas might spend up to 15 years behind bars if found guilty.

His arraignment in a Los Angeles court was set for this afternoon.

High-stakes poker games that are illegal

Yevgeni Gershman, 49; Evgenni Tourevski, 48; Allan Austria, 52; Yarin Cohen, 27; and Ievgen Krachun, 43, were also arrested in connection with the illicit gaming enterprise and charged in the indictment that was made public today.

Gershman is a reputed Israeli organized crime leader.

There is one count of conspiracy to conduct an unlawful gambling business and one count of operating an illegal gambling business against each of the five defendants.

Arenas hired out the Encino estate to host the poker games, the indictment claims.  Arthur Kats, 51, organized the mansion to host the games under Arenas' supervision and recruited accomplices to do so.  On Arenas' behalf, Kats collected rent from the other conspirators.

A Person Suspected of Organized Crime

In addition to overseeing unlawful "Pot Limit Omaha" poker games, the defendants also collected a rake fee, which is a sum that the house deducted from each pot, and invited participants to participate.

According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Gershman employed young ladies who "offered companionship" to players, served drinks, and gave massages.  A tax was deducted from the women's wages. Chefs, valets, and armed security also worked at the gatherings.

Arenas Got Arrested Today

As a "chip runner," Krachun kept tabs on players' wins and losses and gave out chips to both players and paid staff.

In addition, Gershman was accused of conspiring with Woodland Hills resident Valentina Cojocari, 35, to arrange a fictitious marriage in order to obtain permanent legal status in the United States. He was charged with conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, marriage fraud, and making a false statement on an immigration document.

Gershman paid Cojocari to take part in the fake marriage.  She was also accused of making a false statement on an immigration document, conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, and marriage fraud.  Today, she was also taken into custody.

In addition to becoming a three-time NBA All-Star and member of the All-NBA Team, Arenas spent 10 years in the NBA with the Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards, Orlando Magic, and Memphis Grizzlies. In the 2002–2003 season, he was chosen as the NBA Most Improved Player.