The former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arena has been arrested along with several other people in connection with alleged illegal gambling operations.
The operation included a high stakes poker game held at the Encino mansion, owned by the arena, according to federal accusations.
“Alias “Agent Zero” of Woodland Hills has been charged with one count of conspiracy to run an illegal gambling business, one count of running an illegal gambling business, and one count of making false statements to federal agents.”
“At Arenas’ direction, West Hollywood’s Arthur Cats, 51, staged the mansion, found a conspirator to host the game, and collected rent from the conspirators on Arenas’ behalf,” the prosecutor alleges.
Also, the following were charged and arrested in the charges:
Yevgeni Gershman, 49, aka “Giora”, Woodland Hills. A person suspected of organized crime from Israel. Tarzana’s “Eugene,” also known as “Eugene,” Evgenni Tubski. Alan Austria, 52, aka “Erica,” West Hills. Yarin Cohen, 27, aka “YC”, Tarzana. Ievgen Krachun, 43, of Tarzana.
Gershman, Tourevski, Austria and Cohen have been accused of managing illegal “Pot Limit Omaha” poker games and other illegal games in Encino Mansion and “collecting” “rakes.”
Gershman has also been accused of hiring young women to provide drinks, massages and “dating poker players” in exchange for tips. However, they were charged a “tax” to work the game. Chefs, valets and armed security guards were also hired for the game.
Krachun has been accused of working as a “chip runner.” He has been accused of “tracking players’ victory and losses and distributing poker chips to players and paid employees.”
“Each of these defendants are charged with one conspiracy to run an illegal gambling business and one count of running an illegal gambling business,” the release continued.
If convicted, they will face a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each count.
Gershman is an Israeli citizen. He and Valentina Kohokari, 35, of Woodland Hills, are being charged with three additional counts of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, marriage fraud and false statements about immigration documents.
“In early 2022, Gershman conspired with Kohokari to launch a fake marriage with the aim of achieving permanent legal status in the United States, raising Gershman’s legal status by lying to immigration authorities. “Both Gershman and Kohokari submitted false information about their US immigration forms, including a “no” “no” answer on whether they’ve been detained by law enforcement officials and whether he engaged in illegal gambling. ”
The Northridge office of Homeland Security Investigations, the Los Angeles Police Department’s main crime department – cross-border organized crime section, and the IRS criminal investigation are investigating the case.
All defendants, including the Arena, are scheduled to appear in court for their arrest in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on Wednesday afternoon.
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