Gilbert Arenas Hit with Federal Charges Over High-Stakes Underground Gambling Ring

Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, famously known as "Agent Zero," is facing federal charges for allegedly operating a high-stakes underground poker operation out of his Encino mansion, according to prosecutors and a report by ABC7 LA.

The indictment, unsealed this week, claims that from 2021 to 2022, Arenas and five others including a suspected Israeli organized crime figure ran an illegal gambling business complete with chefs, valets, armed security, and young women offering massages and "companionship."

The home was reportedly staged and rented out to host the high-roller poker games. Players were charged per pot, and the "house" took a cut of the winnings a clear violation of federal gambling laws.

Also named in the indictment are:

·        Yevgeni Gershman (49) of Woodland Hills - suspected organized crime figure

·        Evgenni Tourevski (48) of Tarzana

·        Allan Austria (52) of West Hills

·        Yarin Cohen (27) of Tarzana

·        Levgen Krachun (43) of Tarzana

All defendants are charged with conspiracy, illegal gambling, and in Arenas’ case, lying to federal investigators. If convicted, each could face up to five years in federal prison per count.

The group is expected to appear for arraignment on Wednesday afternoon at the United States District Court in Los Angeles.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge.