Indian man living illegally in US sentenced for $3.2 million scam targeting elderly

An Indian national, Hardik Jayantilal Patel, has been sentenced to 46 months in a US federal prison for orchestrating a multi-million dollar scam that targeted elderly American citizens. The 37-year-old, who was living illegally in the United States, played a key role in a criminal network that defrauded victims of over $3.2 million between 2019 and 2020.

According to a statement from the US Attorney’s Office, Patel operated from Lexington, Kentucky, and worked in coordination with India-based call centers. These call centers would place telemarketing scam calls, impersonating US government officials. The victims—mostly senior citizens—were falsely told that they were under investigation and needed to make immediate cash payments to avoid legal trouble.

To collect the illicit funds, Patel employed a team of "runners" or money mules who would physically retrieve packages filled with cash mailed by the victims. These runners laundered the funds, effectively concealing the money trail. Patel oversaw the operation in the US, while collaborating closely with co-conspirators overseas.

Patel's criminal ring wasn't operating alone. He worked alongside Sohil Usmangani Vahora, another Indian national, who managed his own set of runners. Vahora had earlier been sentenced to over 15 years in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $3.5 million.

Both men coordinated their efforts to receive and launder fraud proceeds across multiple US states. In total, at least seven individuals, including Zaheen Malvi and Dhirenkumar Patel, were found guilty in the scam operation.

The fraud scheme ran primarily between March and November 2019, targeting vulnerable elderly citizens across the U.S. Hundreds of packages containing cash were picked up from victims who believed they were clearing their names from criminal investigations. Patel's runners retrieved these packages from various locations and deposited the proceeds into laundering channels.

Patel pleaded guilty to his role in the scam in December 2023. US District Judge Andrew S. Hanen handed down his sentence in April 2025, including an additional three years of supervised release post-incarceration. Furthermore, Patel has been ordered to pay $3.2 million in restitution to 85 identified victims.

Since Patel is not a US citizen, he is expected to undergo removal proceedings following the completion of his prison term. These proceedings will determine whether he can remain in the U.S. or be deported to India.

The case underscores the growing threat of international scam networks targeting vulnerable populations, especially the elderly. Authorities continue to warn the public about such frauds, urging citizens never to send money or personal details in response to unsolicited calls claiming to be from the government.

The sentencing of Patel marks the final chapter in a coordinated effort by law enforcement agencies to dismantle the scam operation and deliver justice to its many elderly victims.