A New York City resident has admitted to participating in a fraudulent sports betting scheme involving a former professional basketball player. The defendant, known by an alias, pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy charges in federal court.
According to prosecutors, the defendant and accomplices wagered on the performance of the basketball player in multiple games, knowing that the player would intentionally withdraw from competition. In one instance, the player left a game after only a few minutes, citing an injury, and the defendants profited from their bets.
The scheme continued in subsequent games, with the defendants communicating through encrypted messaging apps to coordinate their actions. They ultimately netted over $1 million in illicit profits.
The defendant was arrested at a local airport while attempting to flee the country on a one-way ticket. The former basketball player, who was banned from the league due to their involvement in the scheme, has also pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges and is awaiting sentencing.
The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison and is currently free on bond pending their sentencing hearing, scheduled for next spring.
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