Two Indian nationals finding out in the United States have been sentenced to federal jail in separate however comparable fraud instances involving elaborate scams that focused elderly Americans and resulted in thousands and thousands of {dollars} in losses.
Kishan Rajeshkumar Patel, 20, who entered the U.S. on a pupil visa, was sentenced this week to 63 months (over 5 years) in jail after pleading responsible to conspiracy to commit cash laundering. According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Patel participated in a web based phishing conspiracy that impersonated U.S. authorities officers and used worry ways to extract cash and gold from senior residents.
(*2*) the DOJ mentioned.
An investigation decided the scheme defrauded at the least 25 elderly victims, with an meant lack of $2,694,156. Patel was arrested on August 24, 2024, in Granite Shoals, Texas, whereas trying to gather what he believed was $130,000. He has remained in federal custody since August 29.
“This defendant took advantage of his visa status in our country and participated in an international fraud scheme,” mentioned U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons, including, “Patel defrauded vulnerable American citizens out of millions of dollars by impersonating government officials and preying on his victims’ fears of adverse government action.” His co-defendant, Dhruv Rajeshbhai Mangukiya, additionally an Indian nationwide, pleaded responsible on June 16, 2025, and is awaiting sentencing.
In a associated however separate case, Moinuddin Mohammed, one other Indian pupil, was sentenced earlier this yr to eight years in jail for the same rip-off that defrauded elderly Americans of practically $6 million. His case additionally concerned impersonation ways and worldwide laundering of the stolen funds.
While all three had been in the U.S. on pupil visas, U.S. authorities haven’t disclosed the academic establishments they had been enrolled in.
The U.S. Justice Department and FBI proceed to induce warning, significantly amongst seniors, in opposition to unsolicited communications from people claiming to characterize authorities or legislation enforcement businesses.
Published – June 19, 2025 08:36 am IST
