Travis Kelce Named Victim in $35 Million Ponzi Scheme

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has been identified as a victim in a $35 million Ponzi scheme orchestrated by Siddharth Jawahar, a man described by prosecutors as an illegal immigrant who has been sentenced to 11 years in federal prison.

Jawahar pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in January. He was ordered to pay over $31 million in restitution to his victims, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri. Kelce's specific financial losses in the scheme were not disclosed, nor were details of his connection to Jawahar.

Jawahar operated Swiftarc Capital LLC, a Texas-based investment firm. Prosecutors stated that he funneled nearly all of his clients' funds into a single investment, Philip Morris Pakistan (PMP), starting in 2015. When the value of PMP declined, Jawahar allegedly failed to inform his investors, instead leading them to believe their money was invested in a different company where it was generating profits.

From July 2016 to December 2023, Jawahar invested approximately $10 million of the $35 million in client funds. The remainder was reportedly used for personal expenses, including private jets, luxury hotel stays, high-end restaurants, private club memberships, and upscale apartments in Austin and New York.

Swiftarc Capital LLC was one of several entities Jawahar used in the scheme. Following his indictment, Jawahar attempted to influence a victim to provide a favorable statement to the FBI, which led the investigation. He also reportedly sought to have his sister delete data from his iPhone to conceal evidence, aiming to prevent the disclosure of his immigration status and financial dealings.

Kelce is currently entering what is anticipated to be his 14th NFL season. The Chiefs began their season with a 31-10 victory over the Denver Broncos, in which Kelce recorded three receptions for a team-high 71 yards, including a 59-yard catch.