Former NBA standout Gilbert Arenas was taken into federal custody this week on charges tied to a high-stakes illegal poker ring that allegedly operated out of a luxury mansion he owned in Encino, California. The indictment also implicates five other individuals, including a man federal prosecutors identify as a suspected figure in an Israeli organized crime syndicate.

The 43-year-old Arenas, best known for his tenure with the Washington Wizards and his “Agent Zero” nickname, faces three counts: conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal agents. He pleaded not guilty during his initial court appearance on Wednesday in Los Angeles and was released on a $50,000 bond. A trial date has been set for September 23.

Prosecutors Detail Sophisticated Gambling Setup

According to a federal indictment unsealed Wednesday, Arenas allegedly rented out the Encino property from September 2021 to July 2022 for the explicit purpose of hosting underground poker games. An official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice reveals that prosecutors believe Arenas delegated Arthur Kats, 51, of West Hollywood, to prepare the residence for these events, recruit co-conspirators to assist in operations, and collect rent on his behalf.

The poker games reportedly included variations like “Pot Limit Omaha,” and participants paid a “rake,” or fee, taken from each pot. Authorities say the operation was far from casual. Besides the usual dealers and game managers, staff reportedly included valets, chefs, and armed security guards.

Yevgeni Gershman, 49, also known as “Giora,” is believed by law enforcement to be a key member of an Israeli transnational crime group. He is one of the five co-defendants arrested alongside Arenas. The others named in the indictment include Evgenni Tourevski, 48; Allan Austria, 52; Yarin Cohen, 27; and Ievgen Krachun, 43 — all of whom face similar gambling charges. Prosecutors accuse these men of coordinating and managing the games, collecting money, and inviting players to participate.

Indictment Describes Lavish Yet Illicit Poker Scene

Authorities allege that young women were hired to attend to players by serving drinks, offering massages, and providing companionship in exchange for tips. These women were reportedly required to pay a cut of their earnings — referred to in court documents as a “tax” — to the operation. Text messages cited in the indictment show the planning of game nights, discussions over financial matters, and Arenas personally raising concerns about intoxicated players.

Krachun was said to have acted as a “chip runner,” responsible for monitoring winnings and losses, issuing chips, and disbursing pay to workers. The poker setup also included custom tables reportedly featuring Arenas’ image and branding, further suggesting his direct involvement.

During a July 2022 raid on the property, Homeland Security agents recovered cash from the master bedroom. Arenas later attempted to reclaim the seized money through a formal petition with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a move prosecutors argue contradicts his prior statements denying any involvement in gambling activity at the residence.

“In fact, as defendant Arenas then knew, defendant Arenas had knowingly provided gambling equipment at the Gable House to be used to host an illegal poker game… and was collecting rent from the hosts,” the indictment states.

Additional Charges for Co-Defendant Over Immigration Fraud

Separate from the gambling charges, Gershman is also facing additional legal trouble. He and 35-year-old Valentina Cojocari were charged with conspiracy to commit marriage fraud and submitting false information on immigration documents. Prosecutors allege the pair entered into a sham marriage in early 2022 to secure Gershman’s permanent U.S. residency.

Gershman allegedly financed Cojocari in return for her cooperation in the fraudulent marriage, during which they both falsely claimed on official documents that Gershman had not been detained or involved in illegal activities. Cojocari was also arrested and arraigned on Wednesday.

NBA Career Revisited Amid Legal Scrutiny

Arenas, who last played in the NBA in 2012, enjoyed a distinguished professional basketball career. A three-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection, he made headlines both for his performance on the court and his off-court controversies. Notably, in 2009, he was suspended for a locker room altercation involving firearms — an incident reportedly triggered by a dispute during a card game with a teammate.

In recent years, Arenas has maintained a public presence through his podcast “Gil’s Arena,” where he discusses basketball with fellow former players. Now, however, the former NBA star finds himself at the center of a far more serious national conversation — one that could see him face up to five years in federal prison per count, if convicted.

Outside the courthouse, Arenas’ attorney Jerome Friedberg commented briefly on his client’s position. “At this point in the case, he is presumed innocent, right?” he said. “He has the same right as any other citizen to that presumption and that’s how he should be treated.”