Washington | A former college basketball player, Kerr Kriisa (25), has been indicted in the United States on allegations of operating a wire fraud scheme involving approximately $2.2 million (around ₹19 crore). According to the U.S. Department of Justice, he was arrested after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with multiple counts of wire fraud. Prosecutors allege that he deceived victims over several years by using false identities and fabricated family emergencies to obtain large sums of money.
According to federal prosecutors, Kriisa allegedly carried out the scheme in West Virginia between 2022 and 2026. Investigators claim that he assumed multiple identities, at times creating fictitious individuals and at other times impersonating members of his own family. Prosecutors allege that he falsely claimed he and his family were facing serious danger, that his mother was battling cancer, or that family property urgently required financial assistance. Based on these alleged misrepresentations, he is accused of repeatedly soliciting money from victims.
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The indictment alleges that Kriisa obtained multiple payments from two victims during the course of the scheme. Prosecutors further claim that he sometimes persuaded one victim to transfer money to the other under false pretences in order to make the scheme appear legitimate. According to the prosecution, the alleged fraud involved numerous emails and text messages, with five specific wire transmissions forming the basis of the criminal charges.
The U.S. Department of Justice stated that a federal grand jury returned the five-count wire fraud indictment on June 2, 2026. Following the indictment, Kriisa was arrested and is expected to appear before a federal court. The case will proceed through the U.S. federal judicial system, where both the prosecution and the defence will present their evidence.
Prosecutors also allege that in April 2025, Kriisa signed a written agreement promising to repay one victim $100,000 by February 2026. However, they contend that this promise was itself part of the alleged fraudulent scheme and that no repayment was ultimately made.
U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey said that financial fraud schemes undermine public trust and inflict significant harm on individuals who genuinely believe they are helping someone in distress. He stated that federal authorities remain committed to pursuing those who allegedly exploit others through deception and to holding them accountable under the law.
According to investigators, Kriisa previously played college basketball for several prominent U.S. universities, including the University of Arizona, West Virginia University, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Cincinnati. Prosecutors are also seeking forfeiture of approximately $2.2 million, which they allege represents the proceeds of the offences.
The case is currently pending before the court. All allegations contained in the indictment represent the prosecution’s claims, and no final judicial determination has been made. Any criminal liability on the part of the accused will be decided only after the completion of judicial proceedings and examination of the evidence presented before the court.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
