In November 2025, federal law enforcement in the United States accused Israeli citizen Assaf “Ace” Waknine of extortion attempts against a prominent poker game host in Los Angeles. The case reveals the perilous underbelly of the city’s glamorous high-stakes gambling scene.
Federal allegations suggest that Waknine, a 52-year-old fugitive with ties to organized crime, demanded protection money from a poker game host. The complaint claims he threatened the host with reminders of a 2023 murder in Hollywood Hills involving the same poker community. Messages sent via text and WhatsApp warned the host of a similar fate as Emil Lahaziel, a fellow player shot and killed outside a game two years prior. This development was first reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Homeland Security’s investigation suggests Waknine, a convicted felon deported from the U.S. in 2011, now likely resides in Mexico. Despite his physical absence, he seemingly maintains a strong influence over Los Angeles’s underground poker scene. His violent reputation and connections to local gangs are thought to instill fear in others within this clandestine world.
Special Agent Matthew Hernandez submitted an affidavit detailing the rise of exclusive poker nights, gaining popularity during and after the pandemic. These private events, often held in upscale areas like Beverly Hills and the Hollywood Hills, attracted celebrities, entrepreneurs, and seasoned gamblers. With games starting at $20,000 buy-ins, and occasionally yielding six-figure profits, they have become appealing targets for organized crime.
Prosecutors allege Waknine demanded $5,000 in “protection money” per poker game. When the host refused, the threats intensified. The prosecution links these threats to a series of violent incidents in 2023, including arson attacks on properties associated with poker event organizers and the torching of a luxury Bentley in Benedict Canyon.
Emil Lahaziel, whose murder was referenced in Waknine’s messages, had interacted with Waknine and his brother Hai before his death. Court documents describe Lahaziel as a financially troubled Israeli expatriate with mob connections. He reportedly sent hostile messages to the Waknines before being fatally shot outside a rented Hollywood Hills residence. Two suspects, Ricardo Corral and Jose Martinez Sanchez, are charged with Lahaziel’s murder and have pleaded not guilty.
Defense attorney Brett Greenfield countered the government’s narrative, asserting that Waknine “does not threaten or extort anyone.” Despite Waknine’s fugitive status, the ongoing investigation has disrupted Los Angeles’s high-stakes poker community. Once a discreet gathering spot for celebrities and wealthy players, the scene now serves as a cautionary tale about the hazards of illicit activities.
The incident highlights broader concerns about the intersection of crime and the lucrative underground gambling market. Analysts note that while such games offer substantial financial gains, they also attract criminal elements seeking to exploit them. As one observer noted, “The allure of quick money can sometimes overshadow the risks involved.”
The heightened scrutiny on Los Angeles’s poker circuit could lead to increased law enforcement actions and changes in how these games operate. However, some argue that the clandestine nature of these events makes regulation and oversight challenging. “It’s a cat-and-mouse game,” remarked an industry insider, pointing out the adaptability of those involved in illegal gambling activities.
In an industry where secrecy and exclusivity are paramount, the fallout from Waknine’s case may lead to more cautious behavior among organizers and participants. Yet, the significant sums at stake ensure that such games will likely persist, albeit under a shroud of increased caution and possibly greater security measures.
This case also underscores the broader issue of international crime networks’ influence in local criminal activities. Waknine’s alleged operations from abroad exemplify how modern communication allows criminals to extend their reach beyond borders, complicating law enforcement efforts.
As authorities continue their pursuit of Waknine, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in high-stakes gambling. For the Los Angeles poker scene, once seen as a glamorous pastime for the elite, the reality of its darker side has become all too apparent.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
