Federal authorities have charged 26 individuals in an alleged scheme to fix NCAA Division I men’s basketball games and Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) games through bribery and point-shaving. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney David Metcalf at a news conference in Philadelphia, joined by FBI Deputy Director Andrew Bailey and FBI Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Wayne Jacobs.
“The stakes here are far higher than anything on a bet slip. The criminal charges we have filed allege the criminal corruption of collegiate athletics through an international conspiracy of NCAA players, alumni, and professional bettors,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “It’s also yet another blow to public confidence in the integrity of sport, which rests on the fundamental principles of fairness, honesty, and respect for the rules of competition. When criminal acts threaten to corrupt such a central institution of American life, the Department of Justice won’t hesitate to step in.”
FBI Deputy Director Andrew Bailey stated: “Over the past two years, the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office led an investigation into a point-shaving and sports-bribery conspiracy resulting in the indictments announced today. This case reflects the FBI’s unwavering commitment to protecting the American people and the institutions they trust. I am proud of the outstanding work of the FBI teams involved in the case. To those who choose corruption and betrayal: we will find you, we will investigate you, and we will hold you accountable.”
Wayne A. Jacobs added: “Today’s arrests and charges would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our agents, analysts, and professional staff whose expertise, persistence, and commitment to justice over the past two years were the driving force behind this investigation. Let this be a clear warning to professional and collegiate athletes, and to anyone who seeks to manipulate them — there is nowhere to hide — the short-term gain will never be worth the long-term loss.”
According to unsealed court documents, six main individuals allegedly led this operation: Jalen Smith from Charlotte; Marves Fairley from Carson; Shane Hennen from Las Vegas/Philadelphia; Antonio Blakeney from Kissimmee; Roderick Winkler from Little Rock; and Alberto Laureano from Bronx.
The indictment claims that starting around September 2022, members including Fairley and Hennen recruited CBA players for point-shaving activities by offering bribes so that teams would fail to cover betting spreads. During one instance after profiting from fixed CBA games in April 2023, nearly $200,000 was reportedly left as bribe payments for Blakeney.
After success with CBA games during 2022-2023 season, organizers shifted focus toward NCAA men’s basketball contests during 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 seasons. They allegedly targeted college athletes—particularly those for whom bribe payments could exceed their legitimate compensation opportunities—and offered sums between $10,000-$30,000 per game via direct communication or digital channels.
Authorities say more than 39 players across over 17 NCAA Division I teams participated or were approached regarding fixing more than 29 games total. Wagers placed on these events amounted to millions of dollars collectively.
If convicted on bribery charges related to sporting contests alone each defendant faces up to five years imprisonment plus fines; wire fraud or conspiracy convictions carry maximum sentences up to twenty years per count.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Louis D. Lappen and Jerome M. Maiatico following an investigation led by FBI Philadelphia with support from other agencies.
U.S. Attorney Metcalf acknowledged assistance provided by both New York field offices during this process.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court proceedings.
