Estonian basketball player Kerr Kriisa released from custody after first court appearance

Estonian basketball player Kerr Kriisa, accused of participating in a multi-million dollar fraud scheme in the United States, made his first court appearance in Kentucky on Tuesday. The judge ordered his release from custody subject to several conditions.

According to court documents, the 25-year-old Estonian athlete is charged with involvement in a scheme that illegally obtained $2.2 million. The fraudulent activity began in 2022 while Kriisa played for West Virginia University and continued at least until June 2 of this year.

The indictment alleges that Kriisa convinced victims that his family was in danger, his mother needed cancer treatment, and the family farm needed saving. He also used his mother's name and a fictional character named Irene to extort money.

During Tuesday's hearing, Kriisa appeared in handcuffs. He was read his rights but did not enter a plea; he neither admitted nor denied the charges. His attorney, Rol Kazi, declined to comment.

The court released Kriisa on the conditions that he commit no further state or federal violations, surrender his passport, and have no contact with victims or witnesses. The next court date is scheduled for July 16 in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Kriisa faces up to 20 years in prison.