Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, alongside five other defendants, has been charged with allegedly running an illegal, high-stakes poker ring out of his home.
Among the other defendants is Yevgeni Gershman, an Israeli man who prosecutors claim is part of a suspected organised crime ring.
Arenas, who prosecutors have nicknamed Agent Zero, has been charged with three federal crimes, including operating an illegal gambling business and making false statements to the authorities.
According to the indictment, the events took place between September 2021 and July 2022 and saw Arenas rent out his mansion in Encino, Los Angeles, for the poker games.
Prosecutors state that Arena directed his fellow defendants to prepare his home for the games and to collect a rake.
Authorities also noted that they found text messages between the defendants which had a photo of a poker table bearing Arenas’ name and likeness.
Under California law, it is illegal to host a poker game if the person hosting the game takes a cut or fee.
Gershman was allegedly responsible for hiring young women to “serve drinks, provide massages and offer companionship” to players, in exchange for tips.
Gershman is also facing other charges of immigration and marriage fraud.
The other defendants are Evgenni Tourevski, Allan Austria, Yarin Cohen and Ievgen Krachun.
Arenas has pleaded not guilty and has been released pending trial after paying a $50,000 bond. The trial date has been set for 23 September. If convicted of all three charges, he faces up to 15 years in prison.