BREAKING: Two men from Glastonbury, Connecticut, have been charged in an alleged scheme that defrauded FanDuel and other online gambling sites of an astonishing $3 million. Federal authorities have just announced the charges against Amitoj Kapoor, 29, and Siddharth Lillaney, 29, as a federal grand jury returned a 45-count indictment on July 12, 2023.
The indictment includes serious allegations: 23 counts of wire fraud, 10 counts of money laundering, 8 counts of identity fraud, and more. Both men were arrested last Thursday and subsequently released on $300,000 bonds. If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison on each count.
According to court documents, since 2021, Kapoor and Lillaney allegedly executed a complex scheme by using the stolen identities of approximately 3,000 victims. They purchased personal identifying information (PII) on the darknet and through platforms like Telegram, exploiting promotional offers from online gambling companies, particularly FanDuel.
The indictment details how they opened gambling accounts using this stolen information to take advantage of bonuses and credits offered to new users. If they won bets made with bonus credits, the winnings were transferred to virtual stored value cards, enabling them to withdraw funds through bank accounts they controlled.
“This case highlights the serious impact of identity theft,” stated U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan. “These two men exploited thousands of identities to gamble with stolen money. Their winning streak is now over.”
The magnitude of this identity theft scheme has raised alarms among local authorities. “Individuals who commit identity theft of this magnitude deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” remarked Thomas Demeo, special agent in charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation, emphasizing the extensive hardship caused to victims.
Investigation efforts were spearheaded by the IRS Criminal Investigation Division and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, shedding light on the growing issue of identity theft in the digital age. “Protecting the public by preventing and rooting out fraud is our top priority,” stated Bryan T. Cafferelli, commissioner of the Department of Consumer Protection.
Officials warn that the implications of this case extend far beyond Connecticut. The investigation uncovered thousands of potential victims across the country. “Identity theft is a serious crime that can have lasting consequences for victims,” stressed Kris Gilman, the gaming director of the Department of Consumer Protection.
As authorities continue to unravel this fraudulent scheme, they urge anyone who believes they may be a victim of identity theft to report it immediately at IdentityTheft.Gov. This urgent call to action underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting personal information in an increasingly digital world.
The fallout from this case serves as a critical reminder of the dangers posed by online gambling and the need for robust consumer protections. “Fraud and identity theft have no place in a regulated marketplace,” remarked James Gessner Jr., chairman of the Mohegan Tribal Council. “We are committed to ensuring a safe and secure experience for every player.”
As this investigation unfolds, more details may emerge, potentially impacting thousands of individuals who could be associated with the stolen identities. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
