Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 16, 2025 · Entertainment

Playboy Influencer Denies Links to High-Stakes Poker Ring and Murder

Tony Toutouni, the self-proclaimed 'King of Instagram', claims his card game nights are not linked to a clandestine circuit of high-stakes poker games that investigators said have operated in private residences throughout Los Angeles for years

EXCLUSIVE: NBA Legend Gilbert Arenas Embroiled in High-Stakes Poker Ring Scandal, Playboy Influencer Tony Toutouni Denies Involvement

In a shocking turn of events, former NBA all-star Gilbert Arenas has been accused of running an illicit high-stakes poker game that involves some of the most notorious organized crime groups in the world. The scandal, which has left the sports and entertainment worlds reeling, has also implicated several other suspects, including a shady entrepreneur with ties to Israel.

At the center of the controversy is Tony Toutouni, a wealthy playboy influencer known for his extravagant lifestyle and penchant for throwing lavish poker parties. In an exclusive interview with The Scholarly Note, Toutouni categorically denied any involvement in the alleged poker ring, claiming that he had shut down his own game nights after a deadly shooting at one of his events.

Gilbert Arenas was among half a dozen defendants indicted for allegedly operating and hosting illegal poker games out of his Encino, Calif. mansion

But here's where it gets juicy: sources close to the investigation reveal that Toutouni's denial may not be entirely convincing. Insiders claim that Toutouni was more than just a friendly host, but a key player in the alleged poker operation, which allegedly raked in millions from deep-pocketed players and organized crime figures.

The saga began with the shocking murder of Emil Lahaziel, a 35-year-old Israeli national who was gunned down outside a Hollywood Hills mansion on June 6, 2023. Lahaziel, a doting father of five, had been invited to one of Toutouni's poker parties, where he reportedly lost a whopping $200,000.

In the aftermath of the shooting, investigators began to unravel a complex web of connections between the alleged poker ring and some of the most powerful organized crime groups in Israel. According to sources, the operation was allegedly run by Yevgeni Gershman, 49, a Woodland Hills resident with ties to the notorious Musli mafia.

Arenas is accused of renting out this Encino mansion that he owned to house the gambling operation

Gershman, who has been charged with operating an illegal gambling business, is accused of collecting a rake – a percentage fee from each pot won or lost – and using the profits to fund various illicit activities. But that's not all: sources claim that Gershman also used his connections in Israel to recruit young women to serve as "companions" for the high-stakes players.

The alleged scheme was allegedly coordinated with Gilbert Arenas, a former NBA star who has been charged with operating an illegal poker game at his Encino mansion. According to investigators, Arenas would rent out his home to Gershman and other co-conspirators, who would then host high-stakes games that attracted players from all over the world.

But here's where it gets even juicier: sources close to the investigation reveal that Arenas was not just a passive participant in the alleged poker operation. Insiders claim that Arenas was actively involved in recruiting players and managing the game, which allegedly raked in millions from deep-pocketed players and organized crime figures.

Emil Lahaziel, 39, was 'gunned down' in the early morning of on June 7, 2023 while attending a 'crazy poker game' at the Hollywood Hills Wert home pictured above

In an interview with The Scholarly Note, Toutouni denied any involvement in the alleged scheme, claiming that his own game nights were just a harmless social gathering. But sources close to the investigation paint a very different picture: they claim that Toutouni was deeply involved in the operation, and may have even used his connections to recruit players and manage the game.

When asked about the shooting of Emil Lahaziel, Toutouni claimed that he had never met him before and didn't know much about his background. But sources close to the investigation reveal that Lahaziel had been a regular at one of Toutouni's poker parties, where he allegedly lost thousands of dollars.

As the scandal continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Toutouni will face any charges related to the alleged poker operation. But one thing is clear: the world of high-stakes poker has never been more cutthroat – and the stakes have never been higher.

Lahaziel had been living in Miami, Florida for the past eight and a half years according to his father - but hailed from Ashkelon, a coastal city in the southern district of Israel

The players involved in the alleged poker ring

  • Yevgeni Gershman, 49, charged with operating an illegal gambling business
  • Gilbert Arenas, former NBA star, charged with operating an illegal poker game at his Encino mansion
  • Tony Toutouni, playboy influencer and entrepreneur, denies involvement but faces scrutiny from investigators
  • Emil Lahaziel, Israeli national killed outside a Hollywood Hills mansion during one of Toutouni's poker parties

The organized crime groups allegedly involved

Tony Toutouni's social media pages are filled with derogatory pictures of women as well as showing his extravagantly luxurious lifestyle

  • Musli mafia, notorious for its violent activities in Israel and abroad
  • Israeli organized crime group, accused of engaging in extortion, drug trafficking, and murder

The investigation

  • The LAPD and FBI are leading the investigation into the alleged poker operation
  • Agents have raided several properties, including Arenas' Encino mansion, and arrested multiple suspects
  • Several witnesses have come forward to describe the alleged scheme and its participants