Playboy influencer and entrepreneur Tony Toutouni has publicly denied any connections to an alleged high-stakes poker network linked to organized crime. The controversial figure, known for flaunting luxurious cars and scantily-clad models on social media, took a firm stance refuting claims tying him to illegal gambling circuits associated with Israeli and Latino crime syndicates.
Tragic Incident Sparks Controversy
Toutouni stated that he ceased hosting poker games following the tragic shooting of Emil Lahaziel on June 7, 2023. Lahaziel, who attended a poker party at a Hollywood Hills rental property shared by Toutouni and partners, was shot outside the home by two individuals in masks. The motive behind the murder remains unclear, but it led Los Angeles authorities to investigate an alleged underground poker ring involving former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas and additional suspects.
While Arenas and five others face charges for operating an illegal gambling business, Toutouni has not been implicated in the case. Speaking to the media, he described his games as casual gatherings among close friends, claiming no profits were ever made from hosting. “I wasn’t involved in any ‘circuit’ of gambling parties,” he asserted. “These false assumptions have nothing to do with me.”
High-Stakes Games and Legal Troubles
The allegations surrounding Arenas and his associates revolve around poker games played at an Encino mansion between September 2021 and July 2022. According to federal prosecutors, these events included various illegal activities, such as ‘rake’ fees collected from the pots and additional services provided by hired staff, including young women offering ‘companionship’ to players.
Arenas and the accused co-conspirators, including Yevgeni Gershman and Allan Austria, have all pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors allege that Gershman is linked to a violent transnational gang involved in extortion and drug trafficking. LAPD and FBI officials uncovered extensive evidence of illegal gambling operations during investigations, including recorded communications and surveillance footage from a raid at the Encino property.
One informant claimed to have lost $1.2 million at the games and reported severe threats from Israeli mob figures, later fleeing to Israel. Additionally, another suspect, Arthur Kats, allegedly organized the gaming venue at Arenas’ direction, according to legal affidavits.
Tony Toutouni Speaks Out
Toutouni sought to distance himself from the controversy, asserting he had never been involved with Arenas, Gershman, or their gambling enterprises. He also addressed speculation about the presence of hired women during his poker nights, emphasizing that their participation did not imply illegal conduct. Toutouni explained that, following Lahaziel’s death, he shut down his poker gatherings indefinitely.
“I haven’t played since, and I want no part of it anymore,” said Toutouni. The shooting has left a cloud over his infamous social gatherings, prompting him to move away from hosting altogether. The entrepreneur has also vacated the Hollywood Hills property where the incident occurred.
Lahaziel, remembered by his family as a loving father and entrepreneur, had relocated to Los Angeles to pursue business opportunities. Surveillance footage did not capture the shooting, but witnesses reported seeing masked gunmen approach Lahaziel before firing. Two suspects, Ricardo Corral and Jose Martinez Sanchez, have since been arrested and face charges for the murder.
As the trial related to Arenas and others continues, questions linger over the broader implications of underground poker in Los Angeles and its connections to organized crime. Tony Toutouni remains adamant about his innocence, hoping to leave the ordeal in the past.