Glastonbury, Connecticut—Two Indian American men face serious federal charges for orchestrating an elaborate identity theft scheme that defrauded online gambling platforms of approximately $3 million. Amitoj Kapoor, 29, and Siddharth Lillaney, 29, were arrested after a joint investigation by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Gaming Division and the IRS uncovered one of the most expansive identity theft operations targeting the gaming industry.
The duo allegedly purchased stolen personal information from darknet marketplaces and exploited new user promotions on FanDuel to rake in millions.
Key Facts
• Amitoj Kapoor and Siddharth Lillaney arrested on February 5, 2026, and charged with 45 federal counts including wire fraud, identity fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy
• Approximately 3,000 stolen identities used to open fraudulent online gambling accounts, primarily at FanDuel, generating roughly $3 million in illicit profits since 2021
• More than 1,200 identity theft victims across the nation notified by authorities; both defendants released on $300,000 bonds each pending trial
The investigation began as a routine gaming-related inquiry but quickly snowballed into something far more sinister. Authorities discovered that Kapoor and Lillaney had orchestrated a sophisticated operation spanning multiple states and involving thousands of unsuspecting victims.
The two men allegedly purchased stolen personal data from darknet marketplaces and through encrypted messaging platforms like Telegram. They then maintained accounts on background-check websites such as BeenVerified.
com and TruthFinder. com to gather additional victim information for verification purposes.
Once fraudulent accounts were opened using stolen identities, Kapoor and Lillaney exploited new user incentives—bonuses, credits, and promotional bets—to place wagers at FanDuel and other gambling platforms. When their bets won, the winnings were funneled through virtual stored-value cards linked to FDIC-insured financial institutions.
The funds were then transferred into bank and investment accounts controlled by the defendants, effectively laundering millions of dollars through a web of financial instruments. This multi-layered approach made tracing the money complicated, but federal investigators unraveled the scheme methodically.
Law enforcement officials expressed alarm at the scale of the operation.
Sullivan, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
The impact on victims has been profound and far-reaching. More than 1,200 individuals across the country have been notified that their identities were stolen and misused.
Identity theft victims often face denial of credit, loans, or employment opportunities due to damaged credit histories, adding years of financial stress and recovery time.
The charges carry severe penalties, with several counts carrying maximum prison sentences of up to 20 years. The aggravated identity theft charges carry mandatory consecutive two-year prison terms, meaning any conviction on these counts alone would result in at least four years behind bars.
FanDuel, which operates the online gaming platform for Mohegan Sun Casino, commended authorities for swift action. Mohegan Tribal Chairman James Gessner Jr.
emphasized that fraud and identity theft have no place in regulated gaming marketplaces, highlighting how strict oversight and law enforcement coordination protect consumers far better than unregulated alternatives.
If you believe you are a victim of identity theft in this scheme or any other, the Federal Trade Commission recommends visiting IdentityTheft. Gov to report the fraud and begin recovery steps immediately.
Taking action quickly can minimize damage to credit scores and financial accounts.
Do You Know?
• The average identity theft victim spends approximately 200 hours and $1,500 resolving the fraud, according to consumer protection agencies. In cases involving thousands of victims like this one, the cumulative damage across all affected individuals could exceed $600,000 in recovery time and expenses alone.
Key Terms
• Identity Theft: Unauthorized use of someone else's personal information (name, Social Security number, financial details) to commit fraud or open accounts in their name
• Darknet Marketplaces: Hidden online platforms accessible only through specialized software, often used for illegal transactions including stolen data sales
• Money Laundering: The process of disguising illegally obtained money as legitimate income by moving it through multiple financial accounts and instruments
• Wire Fraud: Federal crime involving use of electronic communications (internet, phone, banking systems) to carry out fraudulent schemes
• New User Incentives: Promotional bonuses, credits, or bonus bets offered by gambling platforms to attract first-time customers
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