Indian Students in US Sentenced for Role in Multi-Million Dollar Elder Fraud Schemes

 Indian Students in the U.S. Sentenced in Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Schemes Targeting Elderly Americans


Two Indian nationals on student visas have been sentenced to federal prison in the U.S. for involvement in online fraud schemes targeting elderly Americans, resulting in multi-million dollar losses.

In a troubling development that highlights the dangers of online fraud and exploitation of vulnerable populations, two Indian students studying in the United States have been sentenced to federal prison in separate but similar fraud cases. These scams, which used phishing tactics and impersonation of government officials, resulted in the theft of millions of dollars from elderly American citizens.

Case Details: Kishan Rajeshkumar Patel

Kishan Rajeshkumar Patel, 20, entered the U.S. on a student visa and has now been sentenced to 63 months (over five years) in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Patel was part of an online fraud ring that used phishing emails, fear tactics, and impersonation of U.S. government officials to scam senior citizens.

Patel collected cash and gold from victims, keeping a portion for himself while passing the rest to co-conspirators. The scheme reportedly involved at least 25 elderly victims and aimed to defraud them of over $2.6 million.

He was arrested on August 24, 2024, in Granite Shoals, Texas, while attempting to collect what he believed was $130,000 from a victim. He has been in federal custody since August 29, 2024.

"This defendant took advantage of his visa status in our country and participated in an international fraud scheme," said U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons. "He preyed on the fears of vulnerable Americans for personal gain."

Co-Defendant: Dhruv Rajeshbhai Mangukiya

Patel’s co-defendant, Dhruv Rajeshbhai Mangukiya, also an Indian national on a student visa, pleaded guilty on June 16, 2025, and is currently awaiting sentencing. Authorities suggest that he played a role in facilitating the laundering of the fraudulently obtained funds.

Separate Case: Moinuddin Mohammed

In a related but separate case, Moinuddin Mohammed, another Indian student, was sentenced to eight years in prison earlier this year for his role in a similar scam. His scheme targeted elderly Americans and resulted in losses of nearly $6 million. Like the others, he used impersonation techniques and was involved in the international laundering of stolen funds.

The Bigger Picture: Elder Fraud and International Scams

These cases are part of a growing concern over international scams targeting elderly U.S. citizens. Such scams often involve call centers, email phishing, and fake threats from government agencies. Victims are pressured into making immediate payments, often in the form of cash, wire transfers, or even gold shipments, out of fear of legal consequences.

The U.S. Justice Department and the FBI continue to emphasize the importance of public awareness, especially for seniors, warning against:

  • Unsolicited calls or emails from individuals claiming to be from the IRS, FBI, or immigration authorities
  • Pressure to act quickly or provide money through unusual payment methods
  • Requests for personal information, bank details, or identification

Elder fraud is a federal offense, and those involved face serious criminal charges, regardless of immigration or visa status.

Prevention Tips for Seniors and Families

  • Always verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent a government agency
  • Never send cash or valuables through mail to unknown individuals
  • Use caller ID and spam filters to screen communication
  • Report suspicious activity to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or local law enforcement

Related Resources and Reporting Links:

The sentencing of these individuals serves as a strong warning against abuse of immigration privileges and exploitation of vulnerable populations. While these crimes were committed by a few, their actions cast a shadow on international student communities and reinforce the need for ethical vigilance, legal compliance, and compassion toward the elderly.

Let us remain alert, report fraud, and work toward a safer digital and financial environment for all.

If you or someone you know has been the target of elder fraud, please reach out to the appropriate authorities and report the incident immediately.


Key Words: 

Indian students in US, elder fraud schemes, phishing conspiracy, student visa, international crime, cyber-enabled crime, US Department of Justice, FBI.

 

·         US Department of Justice: www.justice.gov

·         FBI: www.fbi.gov

Location: Dallas, TX, USA

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