Professional basketball player Arenas taken into custody following a significant criminal investigation into unlawful gambling operations
Former NBA Star Gilbert Arenas Arrested for Alleged Illegal Gambling Business
In a shocking turn of events, former NBA superstar Gilbert Arenas was arrested on July 30, 2025, in Los Angeles for allegedly operating an illegal gambling business. The U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California, issued a statement regarding the arrest.
Arenas, a three-time NBA All-Star and three-time member of the All-NBA Team, is accused of hosting high-stakes illegal poker games at an Encino, California, mansion he rented from September 2021 to July 2022. The games reportedly featured Pot-Limit Omaha poker, armed guards, valets, chefs, and a custom poker table branded "Arenas Poker Club."
The allegations also include hiring women to provide drinks, massages, and companionship to gamblers, as part of an organized scheme involving a suspected Israeli organized crime figure, Yevgeni Gershman. Prosecutors detailed that the women working at the games had to pay a tax of 25% to 35% on their tips to continue working there. Text messages indicated attempts to arrange prostitution services at the poker events.
Young women who served drinks, provided massages, and "offered companionship" to players were charged a tax from their earnings. Alongside Arenas, several others were arrested in connection with the illegal gambling business. These include Arthur Kats, Yevgen Krachun, Yarin Cohen, Allan Austria, and Evgenni Tourevski.
Krachun tracked players' wins and losses as a "chip runner," distributed chips to players, and paid employees. Kats staged the Encino mansion to host the poker games and found co-conspirators to host the games. He collected rent from the co-conspirators on Arenas' behalf.
Gershman, a suspected organized crime figure from Israel, was also charged with conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, marriage fraud, and making a false statement on an immigration document. Valentina Cojocari, 35, of Woodland Hills, was charged with conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, marriage fraud, and making a false statement on an immigration document. It is alleged that Cojocari participated in a sham marriage at the behest of Gershman.
If convicted, Arenas could face up to 15 years in prison. He has pleaded not guilty and previously told authorities he was unaware that illegal gambling was happening in the house. The other defendants face similar charges, including allegations of involvement in an organized crime group.
Gilbert Arenas had a ten-year NBA career with the Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards, Orlando Magic, and Memphis Grizzlies. The last update on the case was on July 31, 2025, at 10:59h. Arenas is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon in a Los Angeles court.
- The arrested former NBA star, Gilbert Arenas, is alleged to have operated an illegal gambling business, specifically high-stakes poker games, at a rented mansion in Encino, California.
- Prosecutors have charged several individuals, including Arthur Kats, Yevgen Krachun, Yarin Cohen, Allan Austria, Evgenni Tourevski, and Gilbert Arenas, in connection with the illegal gambling business.
- In addition to illegal gambling charges, Yevgeni Gershman, a suspected Israeli organized crime figure, and Valentina Cojocari, 35, of Woodland Hills, are also charged with conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, marriage fraud, and making a false statement on an immigration document.
- If convicted, Gilbert Arenas could face up to 15 years in prison, while the other defendants also face similar charges, including allegations of involvement in an organized crime group.
