🎲 Gilbert Arenas Arrested in Illegal Poker Ring Bust

By Truh Diamond
July 30, 2025 — Encino, CA

Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, known as “Agent Zero,” has been arrested and federally indicted for allegedly operating an illegal high-stakes poker operation out of his Encino mansion.

⚖️ Charges & Scope

Arenas faces three federal charges: conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators.
According to authorities, the illegal poker activities ran from September 2021 through July 2022, during which Arenas rented out and directed operations at his own property.

🃏 How the Operation Worked

The mansion hosted Pot Limit Omaha and other poker games, with players paying a “rake”—either a fee per pot or per hand.
The events were staffed with chefs, valets, armed security, and women hired to serve drinks, offer massages, and provide companionship. These women reportedly had to pay a tip “tax” to organizers.

👥 Co-Conspirators & Organized Crime Link

Arenas was arrested alongside five other men, including Yevgeni “Giora” Gershman, described as a suspected Israeli organized crime figure—charges also include marriage fraud to secure U.S. residency.
Other accused include Evgenni Tourevski, Allan Austria, Yarin Cohen, and Ievgen Krachun. Each faces similar conspiracy and gambling-related accusations.

📝 Background & Legal Risks

If convicted, each charge carries a potential sentence of up to five years in federal prison.
Before this, Arenas was embroiled in controversy in 2009 for bringing guns into the Wizards’ locker room over a card game dispute—a scandal that derailed his NBA career.

🔜 What’s Next

Arenas is scheduled for arraignment in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles later today.
The case is being led by the DOJ’s Transnational Organized Crime Section, supported by Homeland Security, LAPD, and the IRS.

💬 Final Thoughts from Truh Diamond

Gilbert Arenas once captivated NBA fans with his scoring talent and flamboyant persona. Now, he’s at the center of a federal illegal gambling probe that bridges celebrity, alleged organized crime, and luxurious excess. If convicted, this may mark another dramatic and troubling chapter in a story already full of controversy.

What do you think about former athletes facing legal battles like this? Share your perspective below or on Truh Talks.