A model, Lauren Mochen, has accused former NHL player Arthur Kaliyev of exploiting her for financial gain under the guise of settling his gambling debts. Kaliyev, a forward who had a stint with the Los Angeles Kings and now plays for the Ottawa Senators, allegedly drained over $50,000 from Mochen during their relationship, which lasted about a year.
Background of the Allegations
The issues began in the summer of 2023, one month before a planned vacation to the Bahamas. Kaliyev, who originally played for the New York Rangers, informed Mochen that he received a check from his mother, intended to repay money he took from her PayPal account. Mochen allowed Kaliyev access to her account, unaware of the potential consequences.
Financial Manipulation
- Kaliyev allegedly transferred $7,500 to Mochen by asking her to deposit checks from his family’s shipping company.
- Shortly after, Mochen discovered that her bank account had gone significantly negative due to bounced checks.
- She faced immediate demands from the bank for repayment and account closure.
A series of communication between Mochen and Kaliyev revealed a troubling pattern of manipulation. Mochen recounted that while Kaliyev claimed his bank account was frozen due to family issues, he consistently solicited more help from her, including access to additional bank accounts.
Gambling Addiction Claims
According to Mochen, Kaliyev has a serious gambling addiction that went unchecked by his team and family. She provided evidence showing transactions linked to online gambling sites, revealing his financial habits. Mochen alleged that his debts extended to teammates as well, possibly amounting to tens of thousands of dollars due to gambling-related fines and fees.
Impact on Mochen
- Mochen claims to have funded Kaliyev’s lifestyle during their relationship.
- She reported feeling panicked and confused by the financial turmoil created by Kaliyev.
- She filed a police incident report claiming fraud and intends to press charges against him.
Support from the NHL Community
Mochen’s accusations have attracted attention within the NHL community. It’s suggested that Kaliyev’s gambling issues had previously caught the attention of his coaches and agent, Ian Pulver, who allegedly expressed concern over Kaliyev’s financial behavior. Mochen also reached out to various individuals within Kaliyev’s life, including his family members, who acknowledged awareness of his gambling problems.
Current Status of the Case
| Allegation | Status |
|---|---|
| Fraud and Financial Exploitation | Incident report filed, charges pending |
| Gambling Addiction | No formal treatment sought |
| Team Awareness | Reported to NHL, no action confirmed |
As of now, Kaliyev has not faced any formal charges related to Mochen’s allegations. The NHL stated that they found no substantiation for any violations but have not ruled out future investigations. The ongoing saga continues to raise concerns about player conduct and responsibility within the league.
