Duo convicted of orchestrating multi-million dollar scam targeting seniors through impersonation and online phishing
Two Indian students from Gujarat have been sentenced to 63 months in a U.S. federal prison for their role in a conspiracy that defrauded elderly American citizens out of nearly $2.7 million (₹23 crore). The sentencing was delivered by a federal court in Austin, Texas, reported gujaratsamachar.com.
Kishan Rajeshkumar Patel (20), a native of Navsari, Gujarat, was found guilty of conspiring with co-accused Dhruv Rajeshbhai Mangukiya and others in a scam that ran from July to August 2024. According to court documents, the group employed phishing tactics and posed as U.S. government officials to intimidate elderly victims into handing over cash and gold.
Kishan Patel and Dhruv Mangukiya scammed at least 25 elderly victims using fake government threats, phishing emails, and cash collection tactics
Patel personally collected the stolen items from victims, kept a share, and passed the rest to co-conspirators. The fraud operation led to at least 25 known victims, with a total intended loss estimated at $2,694,156.
The scheme began to unravel when Patel was arrested by Granite Shoals Police on August 24, 2024, after he picked up a package containing $130,000 from a victim’s home. He was transferred to federal custody on August 29 and later pleaded guilty on March 18. His sentence was issued by U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman.
“This defendant took advantage of his visa status and preyed on vulnerable seniors through fear and deception,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “Today’s sentence affirms our resolve to hold international fraudsters accountable.”
Mangukiya, Patel’s co-defendant, pleaded guilty on June 16 and is awaiting sentencing.
