Published on: February 26, 2026, 08:37h.
Updated on: February 26, 2026, 08:37h.
- Twenty individuals charged in a suspected $190K DraftKings fraud case
- Compromised financial data utilized for funding betting withdrawals
- Two alleged masterminds still being sought by law enforcement
Officials in Connecticut have apprehended 20 residents linked to an extensive fraud operation amounting to $190K, utilizing stolen bank information to facilitate transactions across numerous DraftKings accounts via Visa cards. The main orchestrators of this scheme are reportedly still evading capture, as per the state’s Department of Consumer Protection.
Among those charged, court documents reviewed by The News Times reveal individuals who opened DraftKings accounts or relinquished login credentials in exchange for promised profits. Law enforcement is continuing their search for two men, Manuel Pichardo and Luis Rodriguez, who have been consistently identified by other defendants as leading or coordinating the operation.
Details of the Fraud Scheme
Investigators have reported that the accused added newly issued Visa cards to their DraftKings accounts. While the cards bore the names of the defendants, they were allegedly tied to Wells Fargo accounts belonging to unsuspecting individuals who did not authorize these transactions, as stated by prosecutors.
Following the addition of the card, funds were deposited into the DraftKings account. The authorities have noted that these funds were generally used for minimal casino play before withdrawals were initiated through other payment methods, often routing them to bank accounts registered under one of the suspects’ names, as per the reports.
When the rightful bank account holders eventually recognized the unauthorized transactions, they initiated disputes. Consequently, banks processed chargebacks, leaving DraftKings liable for the incurred losses, investigators revealed.
Court documentation indicates that over $190K in fraudulent transactions occurred between August 4 and September 15, 2024, linked to accounts located in several Connecticut cities.
Authorities disclosed that the fraudulent activities exhibited a consistent trend among multiple defendants, showcasing similar deposit amounts, rapid withdrawal patterns, and common contact details. Furthermore, various defendants cited the same individuals when discussing their recruitment into the scheme based on several arrest warrants.
Charges Filed
The charges in this case include first-degree identity theft, second-degree computer-related offenses, larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny, according to legal filings. Multiple defendants face additional charges connected to the illicit use of payment cards, with many of the allegations categorized as felonies under Connecticut’s legal statutes.
Most defendants have pleaded not guilty. If found guilty, they may encounter significant prison time, fines, and restitution mandates related to the alleged monetary losses.
Outstanding warrants are still active for Pichardo and Rodriguez.