TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Former University of Arizona standout Kerr Kriisa was arrested on federal fraud charges last week and has been accused of conning at least two victims out of millions.
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The Department of Justice said the 25-year-old Kriisa stole more than $2 million by lying about needing money to protect himself and his family from people he allegedly owed money to, to pay for his mother’s cancer treatments, and to keep his family’s farm.
According to prosecutors, he also posed as his own mother to defraud the victims, lied about getting a $100,000 load to pay one of the victims back, and lied about planning to sell his organs to pay her back.
Indictment against Kerr Kriisa by KOLD News 13
“Financial fraud schemes erode trust and cause real harm to victims who believed they were helping someone in need,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. “Our office will continue to pursue individuals who exploit others through deception. We are committed to holding them accountable for their actions.”
Kriisa, a guard from Estonia, played for the University of Arizona in 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23. He transferred to West Virginia University for the 2023024 season, Kentucky in the 2-024-25 season, and Cincinnati last year. Kriisa, who averaged 8.8 points and 2.2 rebounds per game in college, was expected to play pro ball in Europe next season.
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He is facing the charges in West Virginia, but his alleged crimes spanned from 2022 to 2026.
Kriisa allegedly asked for money from two different victims, and even had one victim send money to the other.
Kriisa got in trouble while in Tucson for accepting impermissible benefits.
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