Los Angeles, CA - Gilbert Arenas, a former NBA All-Star and “Agent Zero,” has been arrested and charged federally for allegedly operating a high-stakes poker gambling ring. Prosecutors claim that this operation was conducted from a mansion that Arenas owned in Encino, California, from September 2021 to July 2022. 43-year-old Arenas has been charged with conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to an investigator. The indictment states that Arenas leased out his Encino residence for these high-stakes games, which purportedly involved “Pot Limit Omaha” and other variants. According to prosecutors, the so-called illegal gambling scheme was much more than a simple get-together. They allege that the operation was sophisticated, employing professional chefs, valet staff, and armed guards as part of the security detail. In addition, young women allegedly served the players drinks, massages, and “companionship” while being paid tips that were “taxed” by the organizers. Players were charged a “rake,” a fee from each pot, in a fixed amount or a percentage for each hand played.Prosecutors consider Gershman to be a suspected high-level member of an Israeli transnational organized crime group, which makes him one of the five other defendants arrested alongside Arenas. He is also charged with conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, alongside making false statements on legal documents which relates to an alleged fraudulent marriage to a U.S. citizen to obtain a green card.The former Wizard with the renowned nickname “Agent Zero”, became famous for his high volumed scoring and versatility on the court. During his appearance in the Los Angeles federal court, he pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. His trial is set for the 23rd of September which also lands him on a 50,000 dollar bond. As of now, he legally cannot leave the state. In 2009, Arenas received a suspension from the league for bringing firearms into the workplace due to a feud over a card game which is the reason most think he hasn’t stayed out of legal trouble since he was banned from the league.
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