Poker Ring Case Deepens Around Arenas’ Mansion

A high-profile illegal gambling case in Los Angeles is moving forward as one of the key suspects prepares to plead guilty, adding a new chapter to a sprawling investigation tied to former NBA player Gilbert Arenas.

Gershman Will Plead Guilty

Prosecutors say alleged “organized crime figure” from Israel, Yevgeni Gershman, has agreed to plead guilty to several charges, including conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, money laundering, weapons possession, and making false statements in immigration documents. 

The agreement follows the 50-year-old’s arrest last July, alongside Arenas and four others, namely, 49-year-old Evgenni Tourevski (Tarzana), 53-year-old Allan Austria (West Hills), 28-year-old Yarin Cohen (Tarzana), and 44-year-old Ievgen Krachun (Tarzana).

According to the indictment, between September 2021 and July 2022, the group set up high-stakes poker games at Arenas’ mansion in Encino, California. The events were, say the authorities, full-blown gatherings featuring bartenders, chefs, valet services, armed security guards, and young women offering “companionship”, serving drinks, or providing messages to poker players in exchange for tips. 

The case against Gershman also includes allegations that he entered into a sham marriage to secure permanent residency in the United States.

Arenas Continues to Deny Charges

Arenas, however, has denied all charges against him. He faces accusations of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating such a business, and making false statements to federal investigators. His trial is currently scheduled for May.

The investigation dates back to July 2022, when agents from the LAPD and DEA raided the mansion while a poker game was reportedly underway. Surveillance from a DEA aircraft allegedly showed guests fleeing the property during the operation.

Authorities began focusing on the location after a gambler reported losing $1.2 million in a single night and claimed he had been threatened by individuals linked to Israeli organized crime. He identified Gershman as the person running the games.

Three years ago, Emil Lahaziel, an Israeli national believed to have connections to similar networks, was found shot dead outside a Hollywood Hills mansion that had hosted another poker event.

While Gershman was not accused of involvement, investigators claim the incident helped them come across a wider network of illegal poker games across Encino, Sherman Oaks, and the Hollywood Hills.

Two suspects have been charged in connection with Lahaziel’s death.

As the case unfolds, prosecutors continue to examine links between multiple underground gambling operations across Los Angeles, suggesting the investigation may not yet be over.