Indian Nationals Sentenced in Separate Elder Fraud Cases in the US
Two Indian students in the United States have been handed federal prison sentences for orchestrating deceptive schemes that defrauded elderly Americans of millions of dollars. Both operated by impersonating government officials, leveraging fear tactics to steal significant sums from their victims.
Kishan Rajeshkumar Patel Receives Over Five Years for $2.7 Million Scam
Kishan Rajeshkumar Patel, 20, who entered the US on a student visa, was recently sentenced to more than five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. Patel’s scam targeted at least 25 elderly individuals, with fraudulent losses amounting to nearly $2.7 million.
Patel reportedly impersonated government officials, instilling fear of adverse government actions to coerce victims into surrendering money and even gold. His arrest took place on August 24, 2024, in Granite Shoals, Texas, as he attempted to collect $130,000 believed to be owed to him. He has remained in custody since August 29.
Officials highlighted that Patel misused his visa status to carry out the international fraud. A co-defendant, Dhruv Rajeshbhai Mangukiya, has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
Moinuddin Mohammed Sentenced to Eight Years for $6 Million Fraud
In a separate but comparable case, Moinuddin Mohammed, another Indian student on a visa in the US, was sentenced earlier this year to eight years in prison. His scam also targeted elderly Americans, culminating in close to $6 million in losses. Similar to Patel, Mohammed used impersonation strategies and was involved in laundering the illicit funds across borders.
Visa Status Misuse and Elderly Victims
All three individuals, who arrived in the US on student visas, exploited vulnerable seniors by creating intimidating scenarios framed as official government communications. Their tactics revealed a disturbing pattern of prey on fear and trust among the elderly community.
Authorities have withheld the names of the educational institutions these students attended, focusing instead on the broader issue of such fraud schemes and their devastating impact on victims.
Federal Authorities Respond
A spokesperson from the Western District of Texas remarked on the case, emphasizing the betrayal of trust involved in these crimes and the importance of swift justice to deter similar fraudulent activities in the future.
Key Takeaways:
- Kishan Rajeshkumar Patel: Sentenced to over 5 years for $2.7 million fraud targeting elderly.
- Moinuddin Mohammed: Sentenced to 8 years for $6 million scheme targeting seniors.
- Both used government official impersonation and fear tactics.
- All offenders were Indian nationals on US student visas.
- Cases highlight ongoing threat of fraud schemes preying on vulnerable populations.
