Somerville man accused of World Cup ticket scam that netted $14K

A 50-year-old man is facing criminal charges in connection with an alleged scheme to sell fake tickets to FIFA World Cup games, according to the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office. 

Robert Whelan, of Somerville, has been charged with larceny over $250 by false pretense, forgery of a document, and uttering a false instrument in connection with allegations that he accepted money from multiple victims totaling over $14,000 and in return promised to sell and provide tickets to FIFA World Cup games. 

Whelan allegedly claimed that because of his status as a Patriots season ticket holder, he had priority access and the ability to make group ticket purchases to the World Cup through his regular season ticket contact. 

He allegedly received money for the tickets and created false email confirmations. The tickets were never provided to the victims nor was their money returned, the DA’s office said. 

When he faced pressure from the buyers about the lost money, he told them he would ensure they were paid back and said he was withdrawing $157,000 from his pension fund to enable repayment to all the victims, according to authorities. He allegedly created a false email from the president of the pension board that claimed to show this withdrawal was approved.  

Whelan was arraigned in Somerville District Court on Monday. His bail was set at $250 with conditions to have no contact with victims in this case. His next court date is Sept. 23.