Investigation alleges more than $21K in unauthorized sales through resale platform
A Worcester Township man who worked as a Villanova University contractor is facing felony charges after investigators alleged he stole and resold more than $20,000 worth of men’s basketball tickets intended for sponsors and internal use.
According to an affidavit filed by Villanova University Police in Marple Township, Delaware County, Vanni Francesco Vanin, 48, of the 2500 block of Crestline Drive, also known as “Nino,” is charged with felony counts of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property, tied to the alleged misuse of complimentary tickets issued through a third-party vendor, Playfly Sports .
The tickets were intended for corporate sponsors and promotional use but were instead allegedly diverted for personal profit.
The investigation began in January 2026 after university officials flagged irregularities during an internal audit. Authorities said tickets assigned to Playfly accounts were found listed and sold on the resale platform SeatGeek.
Further review identified at least 117 transfers of tickets and parking passes between November 2025 and January 2026, with many transactions linked to accounts associated with Vanin and his family members, investigators said.
Financial records showed about $21,375 in deposits from SeatGeek into a joint Bank of America account tied to Vanin, reflecting the sale of about 239 tickets for Villanova home games, investigators said.
During an interview with police, Vanin admitted to selling tickets for personal profit and said the proceeds were deposited into a shared account with his wife.
Authorities said unused tickets were required to be returned to Villanova for resale through official channels, but instead were allegedly transferred and sold independently. The charges stem from activity tied to games at both the Finneran Pavilion and the Wells Fargo Center, where Villanova hosts select home matchups.
According to court records, Vanin is free on $50,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing is not yet scheduled, as of Thursday. He is represented by West Chester attorney Evan J. Kelly. The case has been transferred from the district court of Magisterial Judge Dan Lang to the district court of Magisterial Judge Sloan Walker.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
