- Federal prosecutors named 26 suspects in a major sports betting case
- The scheme allegedly targeted US college games and Chinese league matches
- Former NCAA players, an ex-NBA player, and betting influencers are accused
- Authorities say bribes were used to control game outcomes for profit
United States prosecutors have unveiled charges against 26 individuals accused of running a cross-border plan to manipulate basketball betting results. The case involves games played in American colleges and China’s top professional league.
The charges were announced on Thursday, following the filing of a detailed indictment in Pennsylvania, which lays out how the network allegedly operated across different countries and leagues.
According to court documents, the suspects include more than a dozen former NCAA athletes, a former NBA player, and two well-known sports betting influencers. Prosecutors listed offences such as fixing sports contests, online fraud, and working together to carry out illegal acts.
The indictment runs 70 pages and outlines what authorities describe as a well-organised betting operation.
Investigators say the plan began in 2022, with an initial focus on the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Players in China were allegedly paid to perform poorly on purpose, allowing bettors to profit by predicting the manipulated results.
These actions were aimed at controlling betting outcomes rather than winning games.
During the 2023–2024 US college basketball season, the scheme is said to have moved into Division I competitions. Players were reportedly paid to ensure their teams did not cover the expected winning margins, commonly known as point spreads.
Authorities claim 39 players from over 17 college teams were involved. Millions of dollars were allegedly placed on affected games, while bribes worth hundreds of thousands were paid to players.
Prosecutors noted that the growth of legal sports betting in the US helped suspects hide their activity. By placing smaller bets across many platforms, they were able to avoid drawing attention to unusual betting patterns.
Two of the accused, betting personalities Shane Hennen and Marves Fairley, had already appeared in another federal case linked to NBA betting. That investigation involved Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former Cleveland Cavaliers player Damon Jones.
All those charged in the related cases have denied the allegations.
US Attorney David Metcalf said the case strikes at the heart of fair competition. He warned that such actions damage public trust and threaten the honesty of sport at all levels.
As the case moves forward, prosecutors say they will continue to pursue anyone found to be using athletes and games for illegal betting gains.
