Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas and five other individuals were arrested following a federal indictment that alleges they operated an illegal gambling business involving high-stakes poker games at a mansion in Encino, California.
Arenas, 43, also 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. He is scheduled for his initial court appearance and arraignment in United States District Court in Los Angeles.
The indictment also names Yevgeni Gershman (49), a suspected organized crime figure from Israel; Evgenni Tourevski (48); Allan Austria (52); Yarin Cohen (27); and Ievgen Krachun (43). Each is charged with conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and operating an illegal gambling business. Their initial court appearances are set for the same day.
According to the indictment returned on July 15 and unsealed today, between September 2021 and July 2022, Arenas rented out his Encino mansion for the purpose of hosting these poker games. Arthur Kats was allegedly responsible for preparing the property, recruiting co-conspirators to host games, and collecting rent on behalf of Arenas.
Gershman, Tourevski, Austria, and Cohen are accused of managing “Pot Limit Omaha” poker games at the location. They allegedly collected a fee or “rake” from each pot during play and invited participants to compete. The indictment states that Gershman hired young women who served drinks, provided massages, and offered companionship to players in exchange for tips. These women reportedly paid a percentage of their earnings as a “tax.” Additional staff included chefs, valets, and armed security guards.
Krachun’s role was described as a “chip runner,” responsible for tracking wins and losses among players, distributing chips, and paying employees.
Gershman is also charged alongside Valentina Cojocari (35) with conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, marriage fraud itself, and making false statements on immigration documents. Prosecutors allege that in early 2022 Gershman conspired with Cojocari to enter into a sham marriage so he could obtain permanent legal status in the United States. Both allegedly lied on immigration forms about Gershman’s prior detentions by law enforcement officials or intentions regarding illegal gambling activity.
Cojocari was also arrested today; her initial court appearance is scheduled alongside the others.
“An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.”
If convicted on all counts, each defendant faces up to five years in federal prison per count.
Homeland Security Investigations’ Northridge Office led the investigation along with support from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Major Crimes Division – Transnational Organized Crime Section – as well as IRS Criminal Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Samuel J. Diaz is prosecuting this case while Assistant United States Attorney Ryan J. Waters handles asset forfeiture proceedings.
