Israeli Poker Champion Gal Yifrah Charged With Money Laundering in Los Angeles

Gal Yifrah, a 35-year-old Israeli poker player and 2018 World Series of Poker bracelet winner, was arrested in Los Angeles on charges of money laundering and operating illegal virtual gambling. The indictment also names Israelis Nick Shkolnik (39), accused of similar offenses, and Shalom Yifrah (32) and Shneur Zalman Getzel Rosenfeld (33), both charged with money laundering. The arrests occurred last Wednesday, with Gal Yifrah and Shalom Yifrah's detentions extended pending trial, while Shkolnik and Rosenfeld were released under restrictive conditions.

According to the California District Attorney's office, the group ran illegal gambling operations in the Sacramento area, including slot machines, and laundered proceeds by exchanging cash for chips or checks from the Bell Gardens Casino. They reportedly made multiple cash deposits under $10,000 at various banks to avoid transaction reporting requirements. The indictment further alleges that Gal Yifrah invested some of the illicit funds in Los Angeles real estate.

If convicted, Gal Yifrah and Nick Shkolnik face up to five years in prison and fines of $250,000 each for running illegal gambling businesses. Additionally, Gal Yifrah, Shalom Yifrah, and Rosenfeld each face up to 20 years in prison and fines of $500,000 for money laundering. The prosecution seeks to seize assets exceeding $500,000, including three real estate properties in Los Angeles.