Ex-NBA player Gilbert Arenas detained for suspected participation in illicit high-stakes poker events
In a shocking turn of events, former NBA star Gilbert Arenas finds himself embroiled in a federal indictment, accused of being a part of an illegal gambling ring. Alongside five other individuals, Arenas is charged in connection with running a high-stakes poker gambling operation at an Encino mansion between September 2021 and July 2022.
The co-defendants named in the federal indictment are:
- Yevgeni "Giora" Gershman, 49, a suspected organized crime figure from Israel, accused of managing aspects of the gambling operation.
- Evgenni "Eugene" Tourevski, 48, accused of managing the illegal poker games.
- Allan "Elica" Austria, 52, similarly accused of managing the gambling operation.
- Yarin "YC" Cohen, 27, accused of managing the poker games and collecting fees.
- Ievgen Krachun, 43, allegedly oversaw gambling activities inside the home.
The specific charges against all six defendants—including Arenas—are conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and operating an illegal gambling business. Additionally, Arenas faces a charge of making false statements to federal investigators, related to a petition he filed to recover funds seized from the mansion, where he denied involvement in the gambling activities. Prosecutors allege Arenas rented out the Encino property for the poker games, provided gambling equipment, and collected rents connected to the illegal operation.
The operation involved "Pot Limit Omaha" high-stakes poker games and had staff such as chefs, valets, armed security, and women recruited to serve drinks, provide massages, and offer companionship for tips.
Each defendant faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison per count if convicted. Yevgeni Gershman, however, faces additional accusations, as he is charged with entering into a sham marriage with Valintina Cojocari, and they both face three additional charges: conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, marriage fraud, and making a false statement on an immigration document.
Arthur Kats, 51, was accused of staging the illegal poker games at the mansion on Arenas' behalf. Text messages between Arenas and Kats show the two planning to host alleged illegal poker games at the mansion and discussing financial matters and payments.
The US Department of Homeland Security raided the home used for the alleged illegal gambling nights on July 20, 2022, and seized money found in the master bedroom. Gershman attempted to get the seized money back by filing a petition with the US Customs and Border Protection.
Arenas, who has become a popular podcast host on "Gil's Arena" in recent years, is currently facing a federal indictment on three counts: conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators.
[1] News Source 1 [2] News Source 2 [3] News Source 3 [4] News Source 4
- The scandal surrounding former NBA player Gilbert Arenas extends beyond illegal gambling, as he is also accused of making false statements to federal investigators, causing a stir in the realm of general news.
- Fuelling sports headlines, reports reveal that Arenas is embroiled in a high-stakes poker gambling operation, which also involves elements of entertainment, given the presence of chefs, valets, and staff offering services for tips.
- Celebrities and crime-and-justice intersect as a federal indictment alleges that sport but not just athletic prowess was at play in Arenas' case, implicating him in a complex web of illegal gambling and unrelated marriage fraud charges.
