New Delhi, June 19, 2025 — In a shocking case of cybercrime, two Indian students in the United States have been sentenced in separate yet similar scams that defrauded elderly Americans of more than $8 million. These scams used phishing techniques and impersonation tactics to extort large sums of money from vulnerable senior citizens.
The news has not only grabbed headlines in India and the US but also raised concerns over student visa misuse and international fraud networks.
Who Are the Accused?
The first accused is Kishan Rajeshkumar Patel, a 20-year-old Indian national who arrived in the US on a student visa. He was sentenced to 63 months (over 5 years) in prison after pleading guilty to charges of money laundering conspiracy.
In a separate but related case, another Indian student, Moinuddin Mohammed, received an 8-year prison sentence earlier this year for a similar phishing scam that cheated elderly Americans out of nearly $6 million.
Additionally, another Indian national, Dhruv Rajeshbhai Mangukiya, pleaded guilty on June 16, 2025, and is currently awaiting sentencing.
How Did the Scam Work?
According to the US Department of Justice (DOJ), Patel was a part of an elaborate phishing scam that impersonated US government officials. The gang targeted senior citizens, leveraging their fears of legal trouble or penalties from federal agencies.
- Fraudsters sent fake emails and made phone calls, pretending to be from law enforcement or government agencies.
- Victims were told they faced serious legal consequences unless they paid fines immediately.
- These “payments” were collected in the form of cash or gold, which Patel personally received from the victims.
- He then forwarded a portion of the loot to co-conspirators while keeping part of it for himself.
One of the victims reportedly lost over $2.6 million alone due to this scam.
Arrest and Conviction
Patel was arrested on August 24, 2024, in Granite Shoals, Texas, while attempting to collect $130,000 in cash from a supposed victim. However, that pickup was part of a sting operation by federal agents. 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 US Attorney Justin Simmons. “Patel defrauded vulnerable American citizens out of millions of dollars by impersonating government officials and preying on their fears of adverse government action.”
Who Were the Victims?
The primary targets were elderly Americans—many of whom may not be tech-savvy or aware of sophisticated phishing scams. The psychological pressure used was extreme, leveraging fear to force the elderly to part with their life savings.
More Indian Nationals Involved
Apart from Patel, Moinuddin Mohammed was previously convicted in 2025 for operating a nearly identical scheme that swindled victims out of $6 million. Another Indian national, Dhruv Rajeshbhai Mangukiya, has already pleaded guilty and now faces a significant sentence.
While all three accused entered the US on student visas, their educational institutions have not been disclosed by authorities.
What US Authorities Are Saying
- The FBI and US Justice Department have issued multiple warnings, especially to senior citizens, about scams involving people posing as law enforcement or government officials.
- They urge people to never provide personal or financial information over unsolicited calls or emails.
- If anyone receives such suspicious communication, they should report it immediately to local law enforcement or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Impact on Indian Students’ Image Abroad
This incident has sparked debates about the potential misuse of student visas by international fraud networks. While the vast majority of Indian students in the US pursue legitimate academic goals, incidents like these damage the community’s reputation.
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