Two CT Men Charged in $3M Online Gambling Fraud Scheme

BREAKING: Two men from Glastonbury, Connecticut, have been charged in an explosive scheme that allegedly defrauded online gambling platforms, including FanDuel, of a staggering $3 million. Federal authorities confirmed the indictment of Amitoj Kapoor, 29, and Siddharth Lillaney, 29, following a grand jury session on July 3, 2023.

The men face a total of 45 charges, including 23 counts of wire fraud, 10 counts of money laundering, and several counts related to identity theft. Both suspects were arrested on Thursday and promptly released on $300,000 bonds. If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison for each count.

According to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, the duo allegedly exploited promotional offers from online gambling sites by opening accounts using the personal identifying information of approximately 3,000 victims. These identities were reportedly purchased on the darknet and through Telegram channels, allowing them to manipulate promotional bonuses and credits to their advantage.

The indictment reveals that Kapoor and Lillaney utilized various online resources to gather additional information about their victims, enabling them to answer verification questions when creating gambling accounts. This fraudulent activity has drawn serious attention from federal and state authorities, highlighting the extensive impact of identity theft.

U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan stated, “As alleged, these two men used thousands of stolen identities to open online gambling accounts and exploit new user incentives. Their winning streak is now over.” The investigation, led by the IRS Criminal Investigation Division and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, signifies a broader crackdown on identity theft and fraud in the gambling sector.

Thomas Demeo, special agent in charge of the IRS, emphasized the severe consequences of such extensive identity theft, stating, “Individuals who commit identity theft of this magnitude deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law.” Meanwhile, Connor Cafferelli, commissioner of the Department of Consumer Protection, noted the investigation’s rapid shift from a gaming-related focus to a nationwide identity theft concern.

The allegations underscore the challenges facing regulators in ensuring consumer safety in the online gambling arena, especially as fraudulent activities continue to rise. U.S. authorities are urging anyone who suspects they may be a victim of identity theft to report it immediately at IdentityTheft.Gov.

As this case unfolds, stakeholders in the gambling industry are keeping a close eye on the developments. James Gessner Jr., Mohegan Tribal chairman, remarked on the importance of maintaining a regulated gaming environment, stating, “Fraud, identity theft, and the misuse of personal information have no place in a regulated marketplace.”

Authorities are continuing their investigation, aiming to identify all victims involved in this extensive scheme. The implications of this case reach beyond Connecticut, as federal officials work to dismantle complex financial transactions linked to identity theft and fraud.

Stay tuned for updates as this urgent story develops.