Israeli poker champion charged in Los Angeles money laundering case

Israeli poker champion Gal Yifrach, 35, along with Nick Shkolnik, 39, Shalom Yifrach, 32, and Shneur Zalman Getzel Rosenfeld, 33, have been arrested and charged in Los Angeles for money laundering and operating an illegal virtual gambling business. The U.S. Attorney’s Office alleges the group, including Yosef Yitzhak Bashari, ran slot machines in the Sacramento area and laundered proceeds at the Bicycle Casino by exchanging cash for chips or checks. They also allegedly made multiple bank deposits under $10,000 to evade reporting requirements. Gal Yifrach reportedly invested some proceeds in Los Angeles real estate. Gal Yifrach and Shkolnik face up to five years for illegal gambling, while all three charged with money laundering could face up to 20 years. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of over $500,000 in assets and three properties.