Los angeles: Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas and five others, including an alleged Israeli organized crime figure, were arrested on federal charges tied to a 'high-stakes' illegal gambling operation, according to the US Justice Department of Justice.

According to Anadolu Agency, Arenas, 43, known as 'Agent Zero,' from Woodland Hills, faces charges of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business, and making false statements to federal investigators. The US Attorney's Office for the Central District of California released a statement detailing these charges.

Alongside Arenas, Yevgeni Gershman, a suspected organized crime figure from Israel, Evgenni Tourevski, Allan Austria, Yarin Cohen, and Ievgen Krachun, were also apprehended. Each individual is charged with conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and operating an illegal gambling business, as per the statement.

The indictment reveals that Arenas rented his Encino mansion for high-stakes illegal poker games. Arthur Kats organized the mansion for these games, recruited co-conspirators to host them, and managed the collection of rent from these individuals on Arenas' behalf.

Gershman reportedly employed women to serve drinks, provide massages, and offer companionship for tips during the games, charging them a percentage of their earnings. Additional staff, including chefs, valets, and armed guards, were also hired for these events.

Gershman faces further charges of conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, marriage fraud, and making false statements on immigration documents with Valentina Cojocari. Prosecutors allege that the two entered a sham marriage in 2022 to secure Gershman's permanent residency in the US.

The statement also noted that if convicted, the defendants could face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each count.