(AP Photo/Kevin M. Cox, File)
Former Kentucky guard Kerr Kriisa has been arrested after a federal grand jury indicted him on five counts of wire fraud in connection with an alleged $2.2 million scheme that prosecutors say spanned four years.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday that Kriisa, a former standout at Arizona, West Virginia, Kentucky and Cincinnati, allegedly used fabricated identities and false representations to fraudulently obtain money from two victims between 2022 and June 2026.
According to the indictment, the 25-year-old Estonian national convinced victims to send him money by inventing family emergencies. Prosecutors allege he falsely claimed his mother had cancer and needed treatment, while also posing as his mother to solicit funds to save the family’s farm.
The indictment further alleges Kriisa falsely told one victim he had secured a loan to repay borrowed money before later claiming he planned to sell his organs to cover his debts. Prosecutors also accuse him of signing a fraudulent agreement in April 2025 promising to repay one victim $100,000 by February 2026.
Authorities say Kriisa also created a fictitious woman named “Irene,” using the fake identity to communicate with a second victim and repeatedly request money. Court documents allege he directed the second victim to send funds through the first victim and later denied that “Irene” was a fabricated person when questioned.
“Financial fraud schemes erode trust and cause real harm to victims who believed they were helping someone in need,” U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey said in a statement. “Our office will continue to pursue individuals who exploit others through deception.”
Federal prosecutors are seeking forfeiture of approximately $2.2 million, representing the alleged proceeds of the fraud scheme.
College Career Overshadowed by Legal Troubles
Kriisa began his collegiate career at Arizona, where he led the Pac-12 in assists during two full seasons before transferring to West Virginia. He served a nine-game suspension during his lone season with the Mountaineers after admitting to receiving impermissible benefits while at Arizona.
He transferred to Kentucky for the 2024-25 season but appeared in only nine games after suffering a season-ending foot injury. Kriisa then finished his college career at Cincinnati, averaging 5.8 points and 3.0 assists before a separated shoulder ended his final season in February.
Following news of the indictment, Kentucky alumni team La Familia announced Kriisa would no longer participate in this year’s edition of The Basketball Tournament (TBT), stating it was aware of the allegations but declining further comment.
Kriisa will appear in federal court in West Virginia this week. The charges remain allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
