Indian national gets 90-Month US prison term for scamming elderly residents

A 38-year-old Indian national has been sentenced to 90 months in a US federal prison for his role in an extensive “imposter scam” that targeted elderly victims across five states, causing losses of more than USD 2.2 million.

According to the US Department of Justice, Ligneshkumar H. Patel pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and financial institution fraud, along with two counts of wire fraud. In addition to the prison term, he has been ordered to pay over USD 2 million in restitution.

Prosecutors said Patel personally drove to the homes of at least 11 elderly victims in Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin, collecting cash and gold worth USD 2,231,216.99. He acted as a courier or “money mule” within a larger criminal network that allegedly targeted more than 85 additional victims, attempting to defraud them of over USD 6.9 million.

“Imposter scams are international conspiracies often using US-based money mules to meet victims in person to take their money,” US Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft said, stressing that fraudsters preying on senior citizens will face “certain justice.”

Matthew J. Scarpino, special agent in charge of HSI Chicago, said the case underlined the severe consequences of exploiting vulnerable communities. “HSI remains dedicated to protecting our communities from financial crimes and ensuring that those responsible are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he added.

The investigation was carried out jointly by Homeland Security Investigations and the Edwardsville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Reed led the prosecution, local media reported.