Federal investigators say a long running online betting fraud came to light after authorities traced the misuse of stolen identities and promotional offers across multiple digital platforms.
Court documents unsealed in New Haven accuse Amitoj Kapoor, 29 and Siddharth Lillaney, 29, both from Glastonbury in Connecticut, of running an online sports betting fraud that targeted FanDuel and other platforms. Prosecutors allege the two men used stolen personal information to open thousands of gambling accounts and repeatedly claim new user bonuses. By posing as first time users, they allegedly turned free bets and credits into a steady stream of profit. The activity is said to have started around 2021 and continued for several years.
Investigators claim the men obtained personal identifying information of thousands of victims from darknet marketplaces and the messaging app Telegram. To bypass verification systems, they allegedly used background check and data aggregation websites such as BeenVerified.com and TruthFinder.com to collect extra details. These details were then used to answer security questions during account creation, making the accounts appear genuine. Authorities believe this allowed the operation to scale without early detection.
When bets placed using promotional credits resulted in winnings, prosecutors say the money was moved quickly. Court records state the funds were first transferred to virtual stored value cards linked to the betting accounts and backed by FDIC insured banks. From there, the money allegedly flowed into bank and investment accounts controlled by the accused. Investigators estimate the scheme generated profits of about $3 million, or nearly ₹27 crore, using data linked to around 3,000 identity theft victims.
Kapoor and Lillaney were arrested on February 5 and appeared before US Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia. Announcing the charges on February 7, the US attorney for the District of Connecticut said the accused used stolen identities to “exploit new user incentives.” The indictment includes charges of wire fraud, identity fraud, aggravated identity theft and money laundering conspiracy. Some counts carry possible prison terms of up to 20 years, while aggravated identity theft charges carry mandatory 2 year sentences. Authorities stressed the charges are allegations and both men are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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