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Former NBA standout and media personality Gilbert Arenas has been arrested in connection with an alleged high-stakes illegal gambling operation run out of a luxury estate in Encino, California, federal prosecutors announced on Wednesday.
Arenas, 43, widely known by his nickname “Agent Zero”, was arrested alongside six other defendants, including suspected Israeli organized crime figure Yevgeni Gershman, in what officials described as a sophisticated underground poker empire masked behind luxury and exclusivity.
Allegations Point to Lavish Poker Den in Los Angeles Suburbs
According to the federal indictment, the core of the operation revolved around a Mediterranean-style five-bedroom mansion on Gable Drive in Encino, allegedly owned by Arenas. The home, prosecutors say, was rented out and transformed into a glamorous but illicit poker venue complete with:
- Armed guards
- Private chefs
- Professional dealers
- Custom poker tables branded “Arenas Poker Club”
- Valet services and high-stakes Pot-Limit Omaha games
More than a dozen staff reportedly worked to operate the events, which drew roughly two dozen wealthy players per session.
Prosecutors emphasized that this was not a friendly poker night — the house collected a rake (a fee from each pot), which made the games illegal under federal and state law.
“Companionship,” Tipped Services, and Criminal “Taxes”
One of the most disturbing revelations in the indictment involves female workers, reportedly hired by Gershman to serve drinks, offer massages, and provide “companionship.” Prosecutors allege these women were coerced into paying up to 35% of their tips to participate in the games — a “tax” that enriched organizers.
In one incident from May 2022, Gershman allegedly texted a woman in coded language to inquire if she was open to engaging in prostitution at one of the game nights.
Arenas Denies Involvement, Cites Rental Agreement
In court filings following a 2022 federal raid on the mansion, Arenas claimed he was unaware of the illegal activity, stating he had merely rented out the property. However, the indictment now includes text message evidence suggesting that Arenas knew about the poker nights and even considered filming one for his YouTube series “Gil’s Arena”, which has more than 1 million subscribers.
Prosecutors believe that Arenas not only profited indirectly from the events via rent and fees but may also have participated in facilitating the operation through intermediaries.
Meet the Alleged Gambling Syndicate
In addition to Arenas and Gershman, five other men were indicted:
- Arthur Kats, 51 (West Hollywood): Allegedly served as the main liaison, collecting rent and prepping the home.
- Evgenni Tourevski, 48 (Tarzana): Allegedly coordinated dealers for each event.
- Allan Austria, 52 (West Hills): Reportedly handled event security and armed protection.
- Yarin Cohen, 27 (Tarzana): Allegedly managed finances, including rake calculations and expenses.
- Ievgen Krachun, 43 (Tarzana): Allegedly worked as a “chip runner,” managing chip distribution and payouts.
If convicted, each defendant faces a minimum of five years in federal prison.
Arenas’ Post-NBA Career and Recent Spotlight
Gilbert Arenas rose to fame as a three-time NBA All-Star, playing for the Washington Wizards, Golden State Warriors, and Orlando Magic during his 11-season professional career. Since retiring, he has reinvented himself as a media entrepreneur, launching the popular podcast No Chill with Gilbert Arenas and establishing a sizable digital presence.
Earlier this year, he married French YouTuber and singer Melli Monaco and made headlines for his growing investments in real estate across California and Virginia.
This incident, however, threatens to tarnish his legacy and could derail his growing online media brand.
Charges and Legal Implications
Federal agents raided the property in July 2022, triggering Arenas’ initial denial of involvement. The new indictment contradicts those claims and includes text message records, payment trails, and testimony that prosecutors say prove a well-orchestrated gambling ring designed for profit.
Attempts to reach Arenas or Gershman for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication. Legal representation for the defendants has not been publicly confirmed.
What’s Next?
The court will now move forward with formal hearings and potential arraignments. Given the high-profile nature of the case, legal analysts expect a drawn-out process that could involve plea deals, federal cooperation, or even a high-stakes trial.
For Gilbert Arenas, the coming months will determine whether he can recover his public image — or become yet another cautionary tale of fame turned fallout.