for early access to the latest igaming videos!
and get the latest igaming news first!
Federal prosecutors in Connecticut have charged two men from Glastonbury with running a scheme that used thousands of stolen identities to defraud FanDuel and other online gambling platforms.
A grand jury returned a 45‑count indictment against Amitoj Kapoor and Siddharth Lillaney, both 29, accusing them of wire fraud, identity theft, and money laundering. Investigators say the pair purchased personal data from the darknet and through Telegram, then used it to open gambling accounts and exploit promotional bonuses.
By recycling stolen identities and moving winnings through stored value cards linked to bank accounts, they allegedly generated about $3 million since 2021. Both men were arrested on February 5, 2026, appeared before a magistrate judge in New Haven, and were released on $300,000 bonds.
How the scheme worked
According to court filings, Kapoor and Lillaney bought personal information of roughly 3,000 victims and used it to create accounts on FanDuel and other betting sites.
They relied on background data services like BeenVerified and TruthFinder to answer security questions during sign‑up. Once accounts were opened, they claimed promotional credits and bonus bets. If those bets won, the winnings were moved to virtual stored value cards backed by a financial institution.
From there, the money was transferred into bank and investment accounts under their control. Prosecutors say this process allowed them hide the source of funds while continuing to exploit new user incentives.
“Although this started as a gaming-related investigation, the scope of the alleged identity theft and fraud, with thousands of potential victims across the country, quickly became the primary focus of this investigation,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli.
“First and foremost, we are a consumer protection agency, and protecting the public by preventing and rooting out fraud is our top priority.”
Accused might spend life behind bars if convicted
The indictment includes conspiracy to commit wire fraud and identity fraud, 23 counts of wire fraud, eight counts of identity fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft, one count of money laundering conspiracy, and 10 counts of money laundering.
Each charge carries significant prison terms, with wire fraud and money laundering counts punishable by up to 20 years, identity fraud by up to 15 years, and aggravated identity theft requiring a mandatory two‑year consecutive sentence.
U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan said: “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. Their winning streak is now over.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry, with investigations led by IRS Criminal Investigation and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.
Authorities continue to identify victims across the country, urging anyone affected to report identity theft and take steps to recover their information as Kapoor and Lillaney await trial.
