Indian National Sentenced to 90 Months in US Prison for $2.2 Million Elder Fraud Scheme

An Indian national has been sentenced to 90 months in federal prison by a US district judge for his involvement in a large-scale imposter-fraud scheme targeting elderly residents across five Midwestern states, with intended losses exceeding $2.2 million.

Ligneshkumar H Patel, 38, entered a guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and financial institution fraud, along with two counts of wire fraud. The court mandated him to pay over $2 million in restitution, according to the Department of Justice.

US Attorney Steven D Weinhoeft explained, "Imposter scams are international conspiracies often utilizing US-based money mules who meet victims in person to collect their money."

Prosecutors detailed that Patel and his co-conspirators posed as law enforcement or federal officials "to deceive people into providing them with money, access to financial accounts, or other personal information." Victims were informed that they needed to surrender their assets for "protection."

Court documents revealed that Patel personally visited the homes of at least 11 elderly victims across Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin, collecting money and gold valued at $2,231,216.99. Prosecutors noted his operation was part of "a major conspiracy involving at least 85 additional victims with an intended loss exceeding $6.9 million."

Matthew J Scarpino, special agent in charge of HSI Chicago, stated, "This case underscores the serious repercussions for individuals who target the elderly through sophisticated fraud schemes."

Elder fraud prosecutions have increased significantly in recent years in the United States, with federal agencies intensifying efforts to combat cross-border scams frequently connected to international networks.

Several cases have involved defendants of Indian origin as authorities in both countries strengthen collaboration on cyber and financial crime investigations.