gilbert arenas arrested – Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas arrested in connection with illegal poker games

gilbert arenas arrested – Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas Arrested in Federal Illegal Gambling Probe

LOS ANGELES (July 30, 2025) — Former NBA standout Gilbert “Agent Zero” Arenas, 43, was arrested Wednesday on federal charges tied to an alleged illegal gambling operation run from his Encino, California mansion, according to a U.S. Attorney’s office announcement.Department of JusticeThe Washington PostSFGATE

A grand jury indictment, unsealed on Wednesday, charges Arenas with:

• One count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business
• One count of operating an illegal gambling business
• One count of making false statements to federal investigatorsYouTube+14Department of Justice+14NBC Los Angeles+14

If convicted on any count, Arenas faces up to five years in prison; sentences may be served concurrently.People.com+9Duke Basketball Report+9NBC Los Angeles+9

🚨 Key Allegations

The Department of Justice alleges that between September 2021 and July 2022, Arenas allowed his Encino mansion to host high-stakes “Pot Limit Omaha” poker games, renting it out and directing operations through intermediaries.The Times of India+14Department of Justice+14ABC7 Los Angeles+14

At Arenas’s request, Arthur Kats staged the mansion to facilitate the games, recruited participants, and collected rent. A group of co-defendants—Yevgeni Gershman, Evgenni Tourevski, Allan Austria, Yarin Cohen, and Ievgen Krachun—handled day-to-day operations and took a “rake” from each pot.CBS News+7Department of Justice+7ABC7 Los Angeles+7

Gershman, identified by authorities as a suspected Israeli organized crime figure, allegedly oversaw staffing of the events—including hiring young women to serve drinks, offer companionship, or provide massages—who were required to turn over a percentage of their earnings. Chefs, valets, security personnel, and other staff were also allegedly employed.CBS News+8Department of Justice+8SFGATE+8

Krachun reportedly served as the “chip runner,” distributing poker chips, tracking wins and losses, and paying employees.Diario AS+3Department of Justice+3ABC7 Los Angeles+3

During a raid on July 20, 2022, U.S. investigators seized cash from Arenas’s home, and he later filed a petition seeking its return. Prosecutors allege that he falsely denied involvement when questioned about the party and gambling at the residence.ABC News

Court Proceedings & Personal Background

Arenas pleaded not guilty during an initial court appearance and was released on $50,000 bond. His trial is scheduled to begin September 23 in federal court in downtown Los Angeles.ICE+4ABC7 Los Angeles+4NBC Los Angeles+4

His attorney, Jerome Friedberg, said outside court: “At this point in the case, he is presumed innocent… He has the same right as any other citizen to that presumption.”ABC7 Los Angeles

A three-time NBA All-Star known for his time with the Washington Wizards and Golden State Warriors, Arenas was once celebrated for his scoring and flair. In 2009, he gained notoriety for a firearms incident involving teammate Javaris Crittenton, which resulted in suspension and legal consequences.ABC News+5Wikipedia+5Duke Basketball Report+5

Following his NBA career (which concluded in 2012), Arenas reinvented himself as a media personality, hosting podcasts including Gil’s Arena, where he partnered with former NBA and WNBA players.Fox News+3Wikipedia+3People.com+3

Broader Implications & Next Steps

This arrest adds to Arenas’s turbulent post-NBA history and highlights a complex criminal investigation. Authorities are targeting the remaining co-defendants, including Gershman, who also faces marriage fraud and immigration-related charges with Valentina Cojocari.The Washington Post+3Department of Justice+3ABC7 Los Angeles+3

As the case unfolds in federal court, investigators are expected to produce text-message evidence allegedly revealing plans to brand the operation—such as a custom table labeled “Arenas Poker Club”—financial coordination, and recruitment of staff and players.Los Angeles TimesDepartment of JusticeThe Washington Post

Summary: Gilbert Arenas is currently facing serious federal charges related to an alleged illegal gambling operation at his Encino mansion. While he maintains his innocence, prosecutors have outlined a structured scheme involving multiple defendants and staffing operations. His arraignment is complete, but the trial set for September marks the beginning of what could be a major legal battle.