A sophisticated cybercrime operation that illegally resold over 900 digital tickets to high-profile events, including Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concerts, was uncovered by New York prosecutors.
According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, the international scheme involved contractors working at a StubHub-affiliated company in Jamaica who stole ticket URLs and forwarded them to accomplices in New York. The stolen tickets were then downloaded and resold on StubHub at inflated prices.
Between June 2022 and July 2023, the operation generated over $600,000 in illegal profits. While Taylor Swift concert tickets made up the majority of stolen tickets, the group also targeted events featuring Adele and Ed Sheeran, along with NBA games and the U.S. Open Tennis Championships.
Two suspects have been arrested and charged - Tyrone Rose, 20, and Shamara Simmons, 31. Rose, who operated from Jamaica, allegedly redirected purchased tickets to Simmons and another accomplice in Queens. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty and were released pending their next court appearance.
StubHub confirmed they discovered the criminal scheme and reported it to authorities. The company has since terminated its relationship with the third-party vendor involved and enhanced security measures. All affected customers have received replacement tickets or full refunds.
The investigation remains active as prosecutors work to identify additional potential co-conspirators in the scheme.