Indian national jailed in US for scamming elderly residents
New York: A 38-year-old Indian national has been sentenced to 90 months in federal prison for his role in an “imposter scam” that defrauded 11 victims, including elderly people in five US states, according to an official statement.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Ligneshkumar H. Patel pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and financial institution fraud and two counts of wire fraud. The judge ordered him to pay more than USD 2 million in restitution, the Department of Justice said in a statement.
“Imposter scams are international conspiracies often using US-based money mules to meet victims in person to take their money,” said US Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “The US Attorney’s Office prosecutes these fraudsters aggressively, and anyone who targets elderly victims will face certain justice.”
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According to court documents, Patel drove to the residences of at least 11 elderly victims in five states to steal their assets totalling USD 2,231,216.99. Patel worked within a major conspiracy that included at least 85 additional victims with an intended loss of more than USD 6.9 million.
“This case highlights the serious consequences for individuals who prey on the elderly through sophisticated fraud schemes,” said Matthew J. Scarpino, special agent in charge of HSI Chicago.
