Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas has been arrested, along with several other individuals named in an alleged illegal gambling business. According to a federal indictment, the operation included high-stakes poker games played at an Encino, CA mansion owned by the star.
“At Arenas’ direction, Arthur Kats, 51, of West Hollywood, staged the mansion to host the games, found co-conspirators to host the games, and collected rent from the co-conspirators on Arenas’ behalf,” prosecutors allege.
According to KTLA, the 43-year-old Arenas is charged with one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, one count of operating an illegal gambling business, and one count of making false statements to federal investigators,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a release on Wednesday (July 30).
According to the indictment filed by prosecutors in Los Angeles, Arenas directed an individual named Arthur Kats, 51, to stage the games. Kats would prep the home and collect rent from the other individuals now accused of being involved: Yevgeni Gershman, described as a “suspected organized crime figure from Israel”; Evgenni Tourevski; Allan Austria; Yarin Cohen; and Ievgen Krachun. They would then manage the game, according to the indictment.
The other defendants face charges of one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and one count of operating an illegal gambling business.
Reports indicate Arenas posted his $50,000 bail Wednesday following his arrest.
A video was shared to X (formerly Twitter) where Arenas can be seen exiting what appears to be a detention facility, dancing as he walks down a stairwell and saying “They can’t hold me.”
Arenas is a former three-time All-Star who played 11 seasons in the NBA, most notably starring for the Washington Wizards for seven seasons, from 2003 to 2010. He’s become a popular podcaster with Gil’s Arena, in which he discusses basketball with celebrities and other former players. Sheryl Swoopes, Kenyon Martin and comedian CP are among those celebs who have made appearances.
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