MILWAUKEE, WI – Nikhil S. Mahtani, 28, of New York, New York, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced to 15 months for systematically defrauding sports fans across the country, including numerous victims in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. The sentence, handed down on June 12, 2024, by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach, marks the culmination of a case detailing a brazen and prolonged scheme to profit from fake tickets and luxury box suites.
According to court documents, Mahtani flooded Craigslist with over a thousand advertisements between January 4, 2019, and December 11, 2022, promising access to high-demand events – NFL games, NBA contests, and other professional sporting spectacles. He preyed on eager fans, pocketing thousands of dollars for tickets and suites he *knew* were worthless. The scam wasn’t limited to distant cities; Mahtani specifically targeted Wisconsin residents, leaving a trail of broken plans and financial loss in his wake.
The fallout was particularly painful for one group of Milwaukee Bucks fans. In 2021, as the Bucks celebrated their NBA Championship victory, a large family and friend group arrived at Fiserv Forum, tickets in hand, only to be met with devastating news: they’d been scammed. Their dreams of witnessing history were shattered by Mahtani’s greed. This wasn’t an isolated incident. The investigation revealed a pattern of systematic victimization, targeting fans eager to attend games featuring teams like the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Bucks.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Griesbach didn’t mince words. He firmly rejected Mahtani’s plea for probation, characterizing the scheme not as a momentary lapse in judgment, but as a calculated and “systematic victimization” of sports enthusiasts. The judge emphasized the need for both punishment and deterrence, sending a clear message that such predatory behavior will not be tolerated. Mahtani is estimated to have reaped approximately $120,000 from over 100 victims across the United States, with $88,000 ordered as restitution to those he defrauded.
Beyond the prison sentence, Mahtani will be subject to three years of supervised release after his incarceration. The case was a collaborative effort, investigated by the New York Police Department Financial Crimes Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble skillfully prosecuted the case, bringing Mahtani to justice for his callous disregard for his victims.
This case serves as a stark reminder to consumers: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of online ticket vendors, especially those offering significantly discounted prices or exclusive access. Report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and expose those who prey on the public for profit.
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Key Facts
- State: Wisconsin
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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