A man described by federal authorities as an organized crime figure from Israel has agreed to plead guilty in connection with an illegal high-stakes poker operation linked to a Los Angeles mansion owned by former NBA player Gilbert Arenas. The case, which involves multiple defendants and allegations of a wide-ranging gambling network, has drawn attention for its scale and connections.

Yevgeni Gershman, 50, of Woodland Hills, reached an agreement with federal prosecutors in Los Angeles to plead guilty to several charges, including conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, money laundering, weapons possession, and making false statements on immigration documents. Court filings indicate that a date for his plea has not yet been set, though he is expected to appear for arraignment proceedings in downtown Los Angeles.

Operation Centered on Encino Mansion

Prosecutors cited by MyNewsLA.com allege that the illegal poker games took place at a mansion in Encino owned by Arenas, who previously played for the Washington Wizards. According to the indictment, Arenas rented out the property for the purpose of hosting high-stakes games between September 2021 and July 2022.

Authorities say Arthur Kats, 51, of West Hollywood, managed the logistics of the operation. His responsibilities allegedly included preparing the property for events, recruiting individuals to run the games, and collecting payments on behalf of Arenas. Participants in the games were charged a “rake,” described as an illegal fee taken from each pot either as a percentage or as a fixed charge per hand.

The gatherings were described by investigators as elaborate events. Staff reportedly included chefs, valets, and armed security personnel. Prosecutors also allege that young women were hired to serve drinks, provide massages, and offer “companionship” to players, while being required to share a portion of their earnings.

Law enforcement activity intensified in July 2022, when officers from the Los Angeles Police Department and agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a raid at the mansion. According to the indictment, a poker game was underway at the time, and aerial surveillance captured individuals leaving the property through the backyard.

Broader Investigation and Additional Links

Authorities began focusing on the property after a gambler reported losing $1.2 million in a single night and claimed he had been threatened. The individual identified Gershman as the person overseeing the operation, prompting further investigation.

The case later expanded as investigators examined other high-stakes poker games held in upscale homes across Encino, Sherman Oaks, and the Hollywood Hills. Detectives connected multiple locations to what they described as a larger network of illicit gambling activities.

The investigation also intersected with other criminal cases. In 2023, Emil Lahaziel, an Israeli national with alleged ties to criminal organizations, was found fatally shot outside a Hollywood Hills residence that had hosted a similar poker gathering. While Gershman and Lahaziel were reported to have known each other, prosecutors have not accused Gershman of involvement in the killing. Two individuals, Ricardo Corral and Jose Martinez Sanchez, have been charged with murder in that case.

Separately, several defendants in the poker case, excluding Arenas, were linked to another illegal gambling operation at a downtown Los Angeles high-rise. That location has drawn attention because it was the last known place where missing woman Heidi Planck was seen in 2021.

Charges and Legal Proceedings Continue

Gershman’s charges related to immigration documents stem from allegations that he attempted to secure permanent residency through a sham marriage. Prosecutors claim he and a woman submitted false information, including statements denying prior detentions by law enforcement and any intention to engage in illegal activities.

Gershman and five others, including Arenas, were arrested in July 2025. While Gershman has agreed to plead guilty, Arenas has denied the allegations against him. He faces charges of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating such a business, and making false statements to federal investigators.

Arenas is scheduled to stand trial on May 5. He previously pleaded guilty in 2010 to carrying a pistol without a license following an incident involving a firearm in an NBA locker room the year before.