Former NBA Star Gilbert Arenas Charged in Explosive Illegal Gambling Scandal Tied to International Crime Figure
In a bombshell revelation that has rocked both the sports and legal worlds, former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas has been indicted on federal charges stemming from his alleged involvement in an illegal high-stakes gambling ring operating out of an upscale mansion in Encino, California. The news was confirmed on Wednesday, July 30, by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Attorney’s Office in the Central District of California.
Arenas, 43, who played 11 seasons in the NBA and gained stardom with the Washington Wizards, now faces serious legal trouble. He has been charged with three counts: conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators.
But Arenas isn’t the only one facing the heat. He is joined by five others, including a suspected high-ranking member of an Israeli transnational organized crime syndicate, in what federal authorities are calling a “sophisticated and highly organized” illegal operation.
Who Else Is Involved?
According to the unsealed federal indictment, the co-defendants include:
- Yevgeni Gershman (49) – Reportedly connected to a powerful Israeli transnational crime syndicate
- Evgenni Tourevski (48)
- Allan Austria (52)
- Yarin Cohen (27)
- Ievgen Krachun (43)
Gershman and another individual, Valentina Cojocari (35), face additional serious charges, including conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, marriage fraud, and making false statements on immigration documents.
The Poker Palace in Encino
Central to the investigation is a lavish mansion in Encino, California, allegedly owned by Gilbert Arenas. According to the indictment, Arenas intentionally leased out the property to host exclusive, high-stakes illegal poker games—an operation that prosecutors describe as far from ordinary.
Acting under Arenas’ direction, Arthur Kats (51) of West Hollywood allegedly helped stage the house, recruit co-conspirators to manage the games, and collect rent from them on Arenas’ behalf.
Once set up, Gershman, Tourevski, Austria, and Cohen are alleged to have organized illegal poker games—specifically “Pot Limit Omaha” and other variants—at the residence. They allegedly took a “rake” — a fee the house charged from each pot, calculated either as a set amount or a percentage of the total per hand. This is a key indicator of illegal gambling under federal law.
More Than Just Cards
This underground casino reportedly mimicked the feel of a Las Vegas-style poker lounge. The indictment reveals that Gershman also hired young women to serve drinks, provide massages, and offer companionship to the high-rolling guests. These women were required to pay a “tax,” or a cut of their earnings, to the organizers. The illegal enterprise also employed chefs, valets, and armed security guards, creating an elite yet illegal atmosphere.
Legal Repercussions
If convicted, each defendant could face up to five years in federal prison per charge, making this a potentially career-ending and life-altering case for Arenas and the other accused.
This is not Arenas’ first brush with controversy. NBA fans may remember the infamous 2009-10 locker room gun scandal involving teammate Javaris Crittenton, which led to a 50-game suspension and effectively ended his NBA career. But this latest development marks a new, much darker chapter in Arenas’ post-basketball life.
What’s Next?
As the investigation unfolds and court proceedings begin, more shocking details may surface about how deep and far-reaching this operation was. With ties to international organized crime and multiple defendants facing layered charges, the case is expected to be closely watched by legal analysts, sports media, and fans alike.