Former Arizona guard Kerr Kriisa pleads guilty in multi-million dollar fraud scheme

Former Arizona guard Kerr Kriisa has pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges in connection with a multi-million dollar fraud scheme, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of West Virginia. The 25-year-old Kriisa admitted to orchestrating the scheme, which involved using false representations and deceptive communications to secure money from victims.

Kriisa's fraud scheme, which totaled $2.2 million, allegedly began in 2022 when he was still a member of the Arizona men's basketball program. He entered a plea agreement that stipulates the government will not recommend a sentence exceeding 24 months. Scheduled for sentencing on December 22, 2026, prosecutors allege that Kriisa posed as various individuals, including fictitious contacts and family members, claiming urgent financial needs or dangers to secure payments.

One instance involved an email sent in February 2026, where Kriisa, posing as "Irene," demanded $9,000 to avoid litigation and publicity over a financial dispute he fabricated.