Million Dollar Scam: In separate but related fraud cases, U.S. federal courts sentenced two Indian nationals, both studying in the United States, to prison for orchestrating elaborate scams that defrauded elderly Americans out of millions of dollars.

Kishan Rajeshkumar Patel, 20, who entered the U.S. on a student visa, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. This week, the court sentenced him to 63 months (more than five years) in federal prison. According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Patel played a key role in an online phishing scheme that used fear-based tactics and impersonated U.S. government officials to deceive elderly victims into handing over cash and gold.

The DOJ stated that the conspiracy relied on various phishing techniques and fake identities to impersonate government agencies. Patel collected the money and gold from victims, passed a portion to his co-conspirators, and kept part of it for himself.

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Police Investigation:

An investigation revealed that the scheme defrauded at least 25 senior citizens, causing an intentional loss of $2,694,156. Authorities arrested Patel on August 24, 2024, in Granite Shoals, Texas, as he attempted to collect what he believed was $130,000. Since August 29, he has remained in federal custody. “This defendant exploited his visa status and participated in an international fraud scheme,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons. “Patel impersonated government officials, preyed on victims’ fears of government action, and stole millions from vulnerable American citizens.”

On June 16, 2025, his co-defendant and fellow Indian national, Dhruv Rajeshbhai Mangukiya, pleaded guilty. He now awaits sentencing. Earlier this year, in a separate but related case, another Indian student, Moinuddin Mohammed, received an eight-year prison sentence. He ran a similar scam that targeted senior citizens and stole around $6 million. His scheme also involved international money laundering and impersonation tactics. All three individuals entered the U.S. on student visas. However, the government has not disclosed which educational institutions they attended. The FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice continue to urge the public, particularly older Americans, to remain cautious of unsolicited phone calls from individuals posing as law enforcement or government officials.

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