What did Gilbert Arenas do? Former NBA player arrested for allegedly running illegal gambling operations | NBA News
On Wednesday, federal prosecutors said that former NBA player Gilbert Arenas was arrested for his alleged involvement in an illicit gambling operation. He is accused of hosting high-stakes poker games at his property in Encino with five other defendants. The U.S. Department of Justice further claimed that he was referred to as “Agent Zero.” Being a pro NBA player, this news drew media and fans’ attention.
Federal authorities charge Gilbert Arenas for operating illicit poker games in Encino residence
Ex-NBA star Gilbert Arenas is recently accused of conducting an illegal gambling operation out of a California residence where “high-stakes poker games” took place, the Department of Justice said Wednesday.He has been further accused of conspiring to run the illegal gambling enterprise, and making false statements to federal agents. He is expected to show up in court in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday afternoon.He is actually a three-time NBA All-Star, who has played for the Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards, and Memphis Grizzlies. Meanwhile, in relation to the charges, Yevgeni Gershman, Evgenni Tourevski, Allan Austria, Yarin Cohen, and Ievgen Krachun were also arrested. They were also charged with one count of conspiracy to conduct an illegal gambling business and one count of operating an illegal gambling enterprise. This afternoon, they will appear in United States District Court in Los Angeles for the first time.The indictment, which was revealed today after being returned on July 15, stated that Yevgeni Gershman, Gilbert Arenas, and the other defendants ran the illegal operation between September 2021 and July 2022.
Gilbert Arenas was charged with many crimes (Image via Getty Images)
Young ladies employed by Yevgeni Gershman reportedly served drinks, gave massages, and entertained the poker players in return for gratuities. Additionally, on his U.S. immigration forms, he reportedly provided false information. For example, he answered “no” when asked if he had ever been arrested by law enforcement and if he planned to participate in illicit gambling or any other type of commercialized vice. Moreover, per the player’s direction, a close friend called Arthur Kats staged the mansion to host the games, found co-conspirators to host the games, and collected rent from the co-conspirators on his behalf.Meanwhile, neither Gilbert Arenas nor his representatives have said anything about the whole thing as of yet. Also read: What did Marcus Morris Sr. do? NBA pro arrested over alleged casino fraud and denied bond in court
