A 21-year-old Indian student visa holder was sentenced to more than eight years in prison in Texas for his part in a scam that targeted senior citizens. Dhruv Rajeshbhai Mangukiya appeared before a federal judge in Austin this week and received a 97-month prison sentence for his role in a money laundering conspiracy.
Mangukiya was first arrested at his New Jersey home and faced several charges tied to fraud and money laundering. He pleaded guilty to the money laundering conspiracy charge in June as part of a plea agreement.
The scam worked by using online phishing to find victims. Mangukiya and his group would call people pretending to be from Amazon Fraud or U.S. law enforcement. They told the victims they were under investigation for fraud and pressured them to send money, cash, or valuables like gold. Couriers were then sent to pick up these payments.
In one example, a victim was tricked into believing his identity had been stolen and linked to cartel activity. He ended up paying about $180,000. In another case, an elderly woman from Fort Worth was scammed out of $30,000.
Federal prosecutors said the courier in the scheme was another Indian man, Kishan Rajeshkumar Patel. Patel is already serving more than five years in prison for his involvement. Authorities also named two other members as the leaders behind the scam, although their names have not been made public.
This case highlights how scammers continue to target vulnerable groups, using fear and deception to steal money. Federal agencies are working to bring those responsible to justice and raise awareness about such schemes.
