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Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, 43, was arrested on Wednesday alongside five other defendants, including a suspected Israeli crime boss, Yevgeni Gershman. They are accused of running an illegal high-stakes poker operation at Arenas' Encino mansion. Arenas, known as "Agent Zero," faces charges of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators.
The poker games, held from September 2021 through July 2022, were allegedly hosted at Arenas' luxurious home on Gable Drive. The events featured Pot-Limit Omaha, a game similar to Texas Hold 'em, with hired chefs, valets, armed guards, and a custom poker table embossed with "Arenas Poker Club." According to Fortune, the operation involved around two dozen players and more than a dozen staff members. Prosecutors claim the house collected a "rake," a fee from each pot, distinguishing these games from friendly card nights.
Gershman, described as a high-level member of an Israeli transnational organized crime group, allegedly managed the day-to-day operations, including hiring women to serve drinks and provide "companionship" to players. The women were reportedly required to pay a "tax" of 25% to 35% of their earnings.
The Los Angeles Times reports that Arenas attempted to distance himself from the operation following a raid by federal agents in July 2022. However, authorities allege that Arenas was involved in providing gambling equipment and renting out the mansion for the games. The indictment includes text messages indicating Arenas' awareness of the poker games and his plans to film a YouTube episode at one of the events.
Arenas, who played 11 seasons in the NBA, pleaded not guilty during a court appearance in Los Angeles. The defendants, including Evgenni Tourevski, Allan Austria, Yarin Cohen, and Ievgen Krachun, face up to five years in prison for each charge. Gershman is also accused of conspiring to enter a sham marriage for U.S. residency.
This case marks Arenas' second brush with the law over gambling-related issues, following a 2009 incident involving firearms during a locker room dispute over a card game.