Indian student jailed in US for swindling elderly Americans out of $2.7M

By Minh Nga June 19, 2025 | 11:38 pm PT

An Indian national studying in the U.S. on a student visa has been sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Kishan Rajeshkumar Patel, 20, conspired with fellow countryman Dhruv Rajeshbhai Mangukiya to defraud elderly Americans out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and gold between July and August 2024, according to a news release issued Wednesday by the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Western District of Texas.

Using online phishing schemes and impersonating U.S. government officials, Patel received stolen money and valuables, distributing portions to accomplices and keeping some for himself. The scheme targeted at least 25 victims, causing losses estimated at approximately US$2.7 million.

The scam came to light when Patel tried to retrieve what he thought was $130,000 in Granite Shoals, Texas, resulting in his arrest on Aug. 24, 2024.

He was transferred to federal custody on Aug. 29, 2024, and pleaded guilty on March 18.

"This defendant took advantage of his visa status in our country and participated in an international fraud scheme," said U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons for the Western District of Texas.

Mangukiya pleaded guilty on June 16 and is awaiting sentencing.