Two New York City men have been arrested in connection with an alleged sweepstakes scam that authorities say defrauded a 92-year-old Suffolk County man out of more than $250,000.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced that Oral Durloo, 31, of Brooklyn, and Brandon Nairne, 31, of Queens, were charged with Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C felony.
Prosecutors allege the pair convinced the elderly victim that he had won an $18 million prize from Publishers Clearing House, but first needed to pay taxes and processing fees to receive the payout.
“We will not tolerate criminals who prey on our seniors,” Tierney said in a statement. “Anyone who targets the elderly in Suffolk County will be held accountable.”
How the Alleged Scheme Unfolded
According to the investigation, the victim received a phone call in December 2025 from someone claiming to represent Publishers Clearing House. The caller allegedly told him he had won an $18 million sweepstakes prize.
After the victim expressed hesitation, prosecutors say the caller reassured him that a “representative” would visit his home to provide official paperwork confirming his winnings. The representative allegedly told the victim he needed to pay taxes and processing fees before the prize could be released.
Authorities allege that over several days, the defendants returned to the victim’s residence to collect thousands of dollars in payments. On one occasion, they allegedly transported the victim to his bank to obtain a $200,000 cashier’s check.
In total, the victim is believed to have withdrawn approximately $257,000 from his bank account as part of the scheme.
After realizing he had been scammed, the victim contacted the Suffolk County Police Department, prompting an investigation by the District Attorney’s Financial Crimes Bureau.
Court Proceedings
Durloo and Nairne were arraigned on February 14, 2026, before Suffolk County District Court Judge Steven Weissbard.
Both defendants were released on their own recognizance because the charges are considered non-bail eligible under New York State law.
However, Durloo remains in custody due to an extraditable arrest warrant issued from Connecticut on unrelated charges. He is due back in court on February 17, 2026, and is represented by the Legal Aid Society.
Nairne is scheduled to return to court on February 18, 2026, and is represented by Eric Besso, Esq.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jen Milito of the Financial Crimes Bureau. The investigation was conducted by Detective Daniel Pagano of the Suffolk County Police Department, with assistance from law enforcement partners including Homeland Security and the New York City Police Department.
Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
