Former bank robber Anthony Curcio on trial for alleged trading-card fraud scheme
Anthony Curcio appeared in federal court on January 17, 2026, facing wire-fraud and conspiracy charges tied to a purported scheme in the sports-card market.
On January 17, 2026, former bank robber Anthony Curcio stood before a federal judge charged with wire fraud and conspiracy for allegedly defrauding collectors in the $15 billion trading-card market. Prosecutors say they will present texts, recordings, and forged grading tools that show Curcio misrepresented card authenticity and altered PSA labels. Curcio’s lawyers contend the prosecution is a vendetta against Professional Sports Authenticator, the grading firm that commands roughly 80 percent of the market and has faced antitrust scrutiny from a New York congressman.
The case stems from a two-year FBI probe called Operation Heist and Holder. Curcio, who previously served time for an armored-truck robbery, told reporters he is “not hiding anything” and blames PSA’s alleged monopoly for his legal troubles.
Why it matters
The trial highlights potential fraud in a booming collectibles market and raises questions about grading-company dominance.
In this story
