Former NBA Star Gilbert Arenas Arrested for Operating Illegal Gambling Den

Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas was arrested on Wednesday for operating an illegal gambling den, the Department of Justice announced.

Arenas was federally indicted on three charges: conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators. According to the Department of Justice, Arenas is accused of renting a mansion in Encino, California, to host illegal poker games.

If convicted, Arenas could face a total of 15 years in prison, with a maximum of 5 years for each charge.

Arenas is a former three-time All-Star who played 11 seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Washington Wizards. Recently, he has been hosting a podcast called 'Gil's Arena' where he discusses basketball with other former players.

According to the indictment filed by the Los Angeles District Attorney, Arenas directed Arthur Katz, 51, to run the games. Katz prepared the house and collected rent from other accomplices.

Other defendants include Yevgeny Gershman (described by the Department of Justice as a 'suspected organized crime figure from Israel'), Evgeny Turebsky, Alan Austria, Yarin Cohen, and Evgeny Kratchun. They are accused of managing the illegal gambling taking place at the house.

All other defendants face charges of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and operating an illegal gambling business. Court documents from Wednesday afternoon did not specify whether Arenas or the other defendants had legal representation.

Department of Justice investigators stated that Arenas' accomplices collected money from each prize, invited people to the games, and hired young women to provide 'drink service, massages, and companionship,' taking a portion of the women's earnings.

The indictment states that investigators obtained text messages between Arenas and Katz, showing that the two were planning to host illegal poker games at the mansion and creating poker tables with Arenas' name and picture engraved on them. The two also discussed financial issues and payments via text.

The text messages cited in the indictment indicate that the defendants were planning illegal gambling nights, handling financial issues, recruiting women and dealers to work at the house, and securing security.

The indictment specified that Arenas sent text messages inquiring about the money collected from the games, expressing concerns about players drinking, and seeking a host for the gambling night.

The house used for the illegal gambling night was searched on the morning of July 20, 2022, and money found in the master bedroom of the house was seized by investigators from the Department of Homeland Security. The former Washington Wizards player filed a claim with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to recover the money.

Prosecutors stated that Arenas made false statements about not being involved in the gambling that took place at the house.

The indictment stated, 'In fact, as the defendant Arenas knew at the time, he intentionally provided gambling equipment to the Gable House to be used for hosting illegal poker games on July 19, 2022, intentionally rented the Gable House for hosting illegal poker games on July 19, 2022, and was collecting rent from the hosts for the operation of illegal poker games at the Gable House on July 19, 2022.'

One of the defendants faces additional charges. Gershman is accused of having a sham marriage with Valentina Kozhokari, and the two face three additional charges of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, marriage fraud, and false statements on immigration documents. Prosecutors allege that Gershman paid Kozhokari for participating in the marriage. According to prosecutors, both submitted false information on immigration forms.