BREAKING: Two men from Glastonbury, Connecticut, have been charged in a shocking scheme to defraud FanDuel and other online gambling sites of approximately $3 million. The federal indictment was issued just hours ago, revealing extensive identity theft involving thousands of victims.
Federal authorities announced the arrest of Amitoj Kapoor, 29, and Siddharth Lillaney, 29, following a grand jury’s decision to return a staggering 45-count indictment on July 18, 2023. Both men face serious charges, including 23 counts of wire fraud, 10 counts of money laundering, and multiple counts of identity fraud and conspiracy.
The indictment outlines a troubling narrative: since 2021, Kapoor and Lillaney allegedly conspired to exploit online gambling promotions by using the personal identifying information (PII) of approximately 3,000 victims obtained from the darknet. These identities were used to open accounts and take advantage of substantial promotional bonuses offered by gambling platforms.
According to U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan, “As alleged, these two men used thousands of stolen identities to open online gambling accounts and exploit new user incentives, which for several years allowed them to gamble with stolen money.” The gravity of their actions has drawn significant attention from federal and state authorities.
Court records reveal that the defendants created gambling accounts to access bonus offers and winnings were subsequently transferred to virtual cards linked to FDIC-insured banks, allowing them to withdraw funds into accounts they controlled. This elaborate scheme has been described as deeply harmful, affecting countless victims.
The investigation, carried out by the IRS Criminal Investigation Division and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, highlights the extensive nature of identity theft and fraud in the online gambling sector. Special agent in charge of the IRS, Thomas Demeo, stated, “Individuals who commit identity theft of this magnitude deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”
Both Kapoor and Lillaney were released on $300,000 bonds but could face up to 20 years in prison for each count if convicted. The depth of their alleged crimes raises urgent questions about online security and consumer protection.
Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli emphasized the importance of safeguarding the public from such fraudulent activities, stating, “We are a consumer protection agency, and protecting the public by preventing and rooting out fraud is our top priority.”
The ramifications of this case extend beyond state borders, with thousands of potential victims across the country. As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone who believes they may be a victim of identity theft to report it immediately at IdentityTheft.Gov.
This case underscores the critical need for stringent consumer protection measures in regulated online gaming environments, especially as incidents of identity theft and fraud rise. The implications for victims are profound, with lasting consequences that can affect their financial stability and personal security.
Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds, and consider sharing this urgent news to raise awareness about the dangers of identity theft in the digital age.
