Federal authorities have charged an alleged Israeli mobster, Assaf “Ace” Waknine, with transmitting threatening communications, detailing a dark underworld behind a network of exclusive, high-stakes poker games held in lavish Los Angeles-area homes.
The games, which allegedly gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, featured $20,000 buy-ins and attracted celebrities and athletes.
However, the glamorous setting—complete with DJs, chefs, and model waitresses—masked a dangerous environment where participants who failed to pay debts allegedly faced intimidation, violence, and even murder.
Details from the Criminal Complaint
The charges were formally laid out in a 35-page criminal complaint on October 31, 2025.
The defendant is charged with Transmitting Threatening Communications in Interstate and Foreign Commerce.
The affidavit, submitted by HSI Special Agent Matthew Hernandez, details the following sections, providing a complete picture of the alleged organized crime operation:
- Background on Israeli Organized Crime
- WAKNINE’s Criminal History (He was previously deported in 2011)
- WAKNINE’s Organized Crime Activity, including Extortion and Witness Intimidation
- High-Stakes Private Poker Games in Los Angeles
- WAKNINE’s Connection to Private Poker and Relevant Individuals in Los Angeles
- Violence at Private Poker Games, including Arsons and Shooting and the Murder of E.L. (Emile Lahaziel)
Violence and Threats
According to the complaint, entering the poker network came with high risks.
Authorities revealed that one man associated with the games, Emile Lahaziel, was murdered in June 2023. Furthermore, a Bentley SUV was torched and a home was shot at, narrowly missing those inside, in an alleged attempt to collect debts. Another home that hosted a game was hit with a Molotov cocktail.
Waknine, who was previously deported from the U.S. in 2011 and is believed to be in Mexico, is accused of acting as the “muscle” for the network, allegedly sending menacing messages to a game host referred to as Victim-1.
In January 2024, Waknine allegedly texted the victim, threatening him with the same “demise” as Lahaziel.
“Ok [Victim-1] I guess you really Want to end up like your other b— a— poker budd,” the complaint alleges Waknine wrote.
Federal documents suggest Waknine and his brother would allegedly hire Southern California gang members to act as “enforcers and extortionate debt collectors.” While not charged in Lahaziel’s murder (two people are awaiting trial), the complaint believes Waknine was “at minimum” aware of the killing.
Waknine’s lawyer has denied the allegations.
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