Gilbert Arenas was a sharp-shooting guard whose penchant for gun toting made him the subject of a Netflix documentary.
But the longtime Washington Wizards superstar guard has run afoul with the law again, turning the formerly nicknamed Agent Zero into “agent zero” of an illegal gambling ring, which according to the Department of Justice, was run out of his home in the Southern California town of Encino.
Arenas was a three-time All-Star and All-NBA performer who spent eight of his 11 seasons with the Wizards. He averaged 20.7 points, 5.3 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game over his 552-game NBA career split between the Wizards, Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies.
Why Was Gilbert Arenas Arrested?
A photo in the indictment against former NBA star Gilbert Arenas shows an “Arenas Poker Club” table.
Arenas was indicted on accusations he ran high-stakes poker games. He was charged on 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 for the Central District of California announced on July 30, 2025, in a press release.
Arenas was charged with five other men and was scheduled to make his initial appearance and be arraigned in federal district court in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
According to the indictment obtained by Heavy, Arenas and his co-defendants, including Israeli organized crime figure Yevgeni Gershman, played illegal poker high-stakes poker games from September 2021 to July 2022 at a mansion in Encino.
Arenas rented out the mansion in Encino for the purpose of hosting the high-stakes games, according to the indictment. 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, the indictment alleges.
Gershman hired young women who served drinks and offered companionship to the players — including massages — in exchange for tips, the indictment alleges. The women were also charged a “tax,” which was a percentage of their earnings, which was paid back to Gershman, according to the indictment.
Chefs, valets, and armed security guards were also hired as staff, authorities allege.
Gershman was also charged, along with Valentina Cojocari, a 35-year-old Woodland Hills, California resident, with three additional counts of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, marriage fraud and making false statements on immigration documents.
In 2022, the indictment alleges, Gershman and Cojocari co-conspired to enter a sham marriage to obtain legal U.S. status. They also lied to immigration authorities to procure legal status for Gershman so he could provide financial support for Cojocarri in exchange for the marriage, according to authorities.
If convicted, the defendants would face a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each count.
Gilbert Arenas Pleaded Not Guilty & Was Released on $50,000 Bond
According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, “Arenas made his initial appearance and was arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in Los Angeles. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Chooljian ordered Arenas released on $50,000 bond. At his arraignment, Arenas pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.”
The U.S. Attorney’s office added, “Trial is scheduled for September 23 in Courtroom 7C (seventh floor) at the United States Courthouse, 350 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. U.S. District Judge Mark C. Scarsi will preside over this case. We will have no further comment.”
Arenas and his attorney have not commented about the case.
What Is Gilbert Arenas’ History With Law Enforcement?
Though Arenas’ indictment for an illegal gambling ring is by far the worst of his run-ins with the law, it certainly is not his first rodeo with police.
Again, the 2025 Netflix “Untold” documentary “Shooting Guards” chronicled his 2009 gun arrest where he and teammate Javaris Crittendon faced off with their guns amid the 2009-10 NBA season.
Arenas has also engaged in custody battles and law suits with the mother of his four children, Laura Govan. Govan has accused Arenas of negligent parenting and has sought to reduce his visitation and custody rights as he continues to deal with legal woes.
‘Arenas Poker Club’ …’Agent Zero’ Charged With Running Illegal Gambling Ring