Group allegedly defrauded Citibank of $1M

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Fourteen people allegedly defrauded Citibank of more than $1 million in a scheme using cash-advance machines in California and Nevada casinos.

Federal prosecutors say the kingpin in the group was Ara Keshishyan, 29, of Fillmore, Calif., the Los Angeles Times reported. He and 13 other people were named in an indictment handed up Friday.

Investigators said the group made withdrawals at the machines simultaneously from a single account, obtaining far more than the amount actually in the account. Some allegedly went on immediate gambling sprees, playing so high they received the comps given high rollers.