Replace Dec. 8: The previous worker’s legal professional stated his consumer has a “serious gambling addiction” and can plead responsible to wire fraud and an unlawful financial transaction
Alex King stated consumer Amit Patel wager on soccer and every day fantasy sports activities and when his losses began to pile up, started utilizing fraudulently obtained cash from the corporate’s digital bank card (VCC) program to subsidize these losses.
“It started with a little bit and, as these things usually do, spiraled wildly out of control,” King advised The Athletic in a phone interview Thursday.
A former Jacksonville Jaguars worker is accused of stealing greater than $22 million from the franchise over the course of two years. In accordance with case paperwork obtained by The Athletic, Amit Patel has been charged with wire fraud and unlawful financial transaction.
In accordance with the report, Patel allegedly stole from the franchise between 2019 and 2023 by exploiting the group’s digital bank card program. He used that system to purchase two automobiles, a condominium, and a $95,000 watch amongst different issues. Patel additionally reportedly purchased crypto and used the cash to gamble on-line.
“We can confirm that in February 2023, the team terminated the employment of the individual named in the filing,” the staff stated in a press release to The Athletic. “Over the past several months we have cooperated fully with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida during their investigation and thank them for their efforts in this case.
“As was made clear in the charges, this individual was a former manager of financial planning and analysis who took advantage of his trusted position to covertly and intentionally commit significant fraudulent financial activity at the team’s expense for personal benefit. This individual had no access to confidential football strategy, personnel or other football information. The team engaged experienced law and accounting firms to conduct a comprehensive independent review, which concluded that no other team employees were involved in or aware of his criminal activity.”
Patel held a number of totally different roles inside the Jaguars group between 2018 and 2023. A number of the titles he held included coordinator of economic planning and evaluation in addition to supervisor of economic planning and evaluation. In accordance with The Athletic, Patel oversaw the staff’s digital bank card program, which allowed workers to “request VCCs for business-related purchases and expenses” if they’d a sure stage of authorization. In accordance with the submitting, Patel’s authority over the place allowed him to allegedly make fraudulent transactions.
If convicted of wire fraud and unlawful cash transaction, Patel can be required to forfeit cash “in the amount of at least $22,221,454,40, which represents the proceeds of the offense” in addition to any extra property acquired via the unlawful cash.
Patel’s legal professional didn’t reply to The Athletic’s interview request earlier than the story was printed. An NFL spokesperson and the assistant U.S. Lawyer dealing with the case additionally didn’t reply to requests for remark, per the outlet.
The Khan household owns the Jacksonville Jaguars, Fulham FC, and All Elite Wrestling. According to Forbes’ listing of 2023 billionaires, Shahid Khan is price an estimated $12.1 billion.
