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Federal prosecutors say two Connecticut men turned sportsbook sign-up bonuses into a multimillion-dollar operation that has landed them in New Haven federal court.
Amitoj Kapoor and Siddharth Lillaney, both 29 and of Glastonbury, were indicted by a grand jury this week. Authorities allege the pair used stolen identities to open online gambling accounts and exploit promotional offers, netting nearly $3 million between 2021 and 2023.
3,000 identities bought for “free bets”
According to investigators, the backbone of the operation was the purchase of personal data online. Prosecutors say Kapoor and Lillaney bought the information of approximately 3,000 people through darknet markets and the encrypted messaging app Telegram. With that data, they allegedly opened sportsbook accounts in the names of individuals who had been victims of identity theft.
The strategy focused on “new customer” incentives, such as deposit matches and first-bet bonuses. By repeatedly signing up under different stolen identities, the pair allegedly harvested these promotions continuously. U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery (or the acting official, if referring to the specific district) noted the defendants exploited these incentives for several years, stating, “the run is over.”
Laundered winnings and virtual cards
FanDuel was identified as the primary platform affected, though officials suggested other online gambling operators may have been targeted. Once accounts were funded with promotional offers, bets were placed. When those wagers won, prosecutors say the funds were transferred onto virtual stored-value cards backed by a federally insured financial institution.
Those cards were used for deposits and withdrawals within the platform. Authorities allege the next step involved funneling the money into bank and investment accounts controlled by Kapoor and Lillaney.
Investigators also say the men maintained subscriptions to background-check services such as BeenVerified and TruthFinder. That information allegedly helped them bypass identity verification questions when sportsbooks required additional confirmation. By the time the operation shuttered in late 2023, officials reported that the total profit had reached nearly $3 million.
Decades of prison time loom for CT pair
The indictment outlines an extensive list of federal counts. Both men are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and identity fraud. Additionally, prosecutors filed 23 counts of wire fraud and eight counts of identity fraud.
Two aggravated identity theft charges carry mandatory consecutive prison terms upon conviction. An additional 10 counts of money laundering further increase the potential penalties.
If convicted on all counts, the defendants face decades in prison. The investigation was led by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection and IRS Criminal Investigation. State officials said more than 1,200 people nationwide have been notified that their identities may have been compromised in the scheme.
Why sportsbook promos are now a fraud target
Online gambling and sports betting in Connecticut have grown rapidly, fueled by aggressive marketing campaigns. This case highlights how those same incentives can be exploited using stolen data.
What began as a gaming investigation evolved into a massive identity theft case with thousands of alleged victims. Kapoor and Lillaney’s next chapter will unfold in federal court. Prosecutors say while the bonus scam lasted more than two years, the legal consequences could last much longer.
