(CHICAGO) Sixteen men have been charged with a wide-ranging counterfeit ticketing scheme for Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks’ games, and other events and concerts, at Soldier Field, the United Center and the Allstate Arena in northwest suburban Rosemont.
The sixteen men were each charged with one felony count of forgery, according to a statement from Attorney General Lisa Madigan. Eight of the men were arrested by Chicago Police and FBI, but the other eight are still at a large.
Madigan alleged that the men made counterfeit tickets to Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks’ games, as well as WWE Extreme Wrestling and Disney on Ice, Madigan said.
The men then sold the tickets on Craiglist, meeting the buyers at area restaurants and coffee shops, Madigan said. The buyers found out the tickets were counterfeit when they tried to enter the events.
“Today is another great example of cooperation between federal and local partners working together and to remind the public to be cautious and vigilant when purchasing tickets,” said FBI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Michael Anderson.
