Federal Prosecutors Indict 26 in Sweeping College Basketball Game-Fixing Scheme
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Federal prosecutors announced on Thursday the indictment of 26 individuals accused of orchestrating a complex scheme to fix college basketball games involving 17 NCAA Division I programs. The case, described as a significant breach of integrity in major college sports, also includes allegations of manipulating professional Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) games.
The indictment details a “transactional criminal scheme” in which the defendants allegedly bribed CBA players to deliberately underperform, ensuring their teams failed to cover the point spread. These manipulated results were then exploited through large wagers placed at various sportsbooks, according to the charges filed in federal court.
Authorities say the conspirators worked to influence the outcomes of NCAA men’s basketball games over a three-year period, aiming to profit from betting markets by altering the natural course of competition. The scheme is said to have involved coordinated efforts to fix game results, undermining the fairness that is foundational to collegiate athletics.
The Department of Justice, which oversees federal prosecutions of such offenses, highlighted the cross-border nature of the conspiracy, linking domestic college sports corruption with international professional basketball manipulation. This case underscores the growing challenges faced by sports regulators and law enforcement in combatting illegal gambling and game-fixing activities.
Federal agencies including the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted extensive investigations leading to the indictments. Their efforts involved analyzing betting patterns, financial transactions, and communications among the accused.
The NCAA, responsible for overseeing collegiate athletics, has expressed grave concern over the allegations. In response, the organization has pledged to strengthen its integrity programs and collaborate closely with law enforcement to prevent future incidents. The NCAA’s commitment to fair play is critical to maintaining public trust in college sports.
Experts note that the intersection of sports betting and collegiate athletics has created vulnerabilities that unscrupulous actors seek to exploit. The Office of Justice Programs has emphasized the importance of robust monitoring and educational initiatives to protect athletes and preserve the integrity of competition.
As the legal process unfolds, the accused face charges related to conspiracy, bribery, and fraud. The indictments mark a significant step in addressing corruption in sports and serve as a warning to those who might consider undermining the fairness of athletic contests.
For more information on federal efforts to combat sports corruption and illegal gambling, visit the Department of Justice Criminal Fraud Section and the FBI’s White-Collar Crime Division websites.
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