Agent Zero in Hot Water: Gilbert Arenas and Five Others Indicted in Alleged High-Stakes Illegal Gambling Ring

Los Angeles is buzzing with news as former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, widely known as "Agent Zero," was arrested today along with five other defendants on a federal indictment. The charges stem from an alleged illegal gambling business, operating high-stakes poker games out of an Encino mansion owned by Arenas himself.

The indictment, unsealed today after being returned on July 15, alleges that from September 2021 to July 2022, Arenas, Yevgeni Gershman, and others ran a clandestine gambling operation. Arenas, 43, faces charges of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators.

Among those arrested is Yevgeni Gershman, 49, a.k.a. "Giora," described as a suspected high-level member of an Israeli transnational organized crime group. He, along with Evgenni Tourevski, Allan Austria, Yarin Cohen, and Ievgen Krachun, are each charged with conspiracy and operating an illegal gambling business.

Inside the Operation:

According to the indictment, Arenas' Encino mansion served as the hub for these illicit poker games. At his direction, Arthur Kats, 51, allegedly staged the mansion for the games, found co-conspirators to host, and collected rent on Arenas' behalf.

Gershman, Tourevski, Austria, and Cohen are accused of managing the high-stakes "Pot Limit Omaha" games, collecting a "rake" (a house fee from each pot), and inviting players. The operation reportedly went beyond just poker; Gershman allegedly hired young women to provide drinks, massages, and companionship to players in exchange for tips, with a "tax" deducted from their earnings. Chefs, valets, and even armed security guards were employed to staff these elaborate games.

Ievgen Krachun's role was that of a "chip runner," tracking player wins and losses and handling payments to employees.

Beyond the Cards: Marriage Fraud Allegations

The troubles for Yevgeni Gershman don't stop at gambling. He faces additional charges alongside Valentina Cojocari, 35, for conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, marriage fraud, and making a false statement on an immigration document. It's alleged that in early 2022, Gershman conspired with Cojocari in a sham marriage to secure permanent legal status in the U.S., providing her with financial support for her participation. Both are accused of providing false information on their immigration forms, including Gershman denying any past law enforcement detentions or intent to engage in illegal gambling. Cojocari was also arrested today.

All defendants are scheduled to make their initial appearances and be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. This developing story highlights a significant federal crackdown on alleged illegal gambling and associated criminal activities.