Federal authorities have arrested former NBA player Gilbert Arenas and five others in connection with a high-stakes illegal gambling ring allegedly operated out of a mansion in Encino, Calif. The group includes a suspected member of an Israeli transnational organized crime syndicate and multiple individuals with ties to the Los Angeles area.
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Arenas, 43, of Woodland Hills, is charged with conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators. The former basketball star is alleged to have rented out the Encino mansion he owned to host poker games that charged entry and collected fees from each pot played.
Yevgeni Gershman, 49, a suspected Israeli crime figure, was also charged along with Evgenni Tourevski, 48; Allan Austria, 52; Yarin Cohen, 27; and Ievgen Krachun, 43. All five are accused of operating the illegal gambling enterprise between September 2021 and July 2022. The defendants allegedly ran “Pot Limit Omaha” poker games, employed chefs and armed guards, and hired women to serve drinks and provide massages to players for tips—fees from which a “tax” was collected by the organizers.
Federal prosecutors allege that the gambling ring was structured and maintained like a professional operation. Co-conspirators collected rent, tracked player balances, and ensured the security of each game. Gershman is accused of hiring staff, managing the games, and participating in the organization’s financial structure.
Authorities say the investigation also uncovered an alleged marriage fraud scheme involving Gershman and Valentina Cojocari, 35, of Woodland Hills. Both individuals face additional charges of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, marriage fraud, and making false statements on immigration documents. Prosecutors say Gershman paid Cojocari in exchange for her participation in a sham marriage, which allowed him to apply for permanent legal status in the United States.
The indictment states that Gershman falsely answered “no” on immigration documents when asked whether he had ever been detained or engaged in illegal gambling activity. Cojocari is also accused of submitting false information to federal immigration authorities.
All defendants were scheduled to make their initial appearances in United States District Court in Los Angeles on July 30.
The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations Northridge, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Major Crimes Division – Transnational Organized Crime Section, and IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel J. Diaz and Ryan J. Waters are overseeing prosecution and asset forfeiture respectively.
Each charge carries a potential penalty of up to five years in federal prison if convicted. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
