Jalen Smith admits role in NCAA basketball point shaving scheme

"Federal prosecutors say Smith worked as a central organizer in a network of so-called fixers who bribed basketball players to intentionally underperform during games. By manipulating individual performances and final margins, the group placed bets through sportsbooks designed to cash in when teams failed to meet expectations against the point spread."

"Investigators say the operation ran from about September 2022 through February 2025 and targeted both NCAA Division I men's basketball games and contests in the Chinese Basketball Association. Authorities say the scheme initially took shape overseas. After early profits fixing games in the CBA, organizers shifted their focus to American college basketball."

"According to investigators, the conspirators approached players directly or through contacts in the basketball world. They used text messages, phone calls, and social media to offer bribes typically ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 per game in exchange for playing poorly or ensuring a team failed to cover the spread."

Jalen Smith, a 30-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina, admitted in federal court to playing a central role in a basketball point-shaving operation spanning U.S. college programs and China's professional league. Operating from September 2022 to February 2025, the scheme involved fixers bribing players to intentionally underperform during games, allowing conspirators to profit through strategic betting against point spreads. Smith pleaded guilty to bribery in sporting contests, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and firearm possession as a convicted felon. He coordinated player recruitment, managed betting strategies, and distributed bribes ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 per game. The operation initially targeted Chinese Basketball Association games before expanding to NCAA Division I men's basketball during the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 seasons.

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