An Indian national residing illegally in the United States has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for his involvement in a fraudulent scheme targeting elderly individuals across the Midwest. Nirav B. Patel, aged 44, was convicted by a federal jury on charges including conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, multiple counts of wire fraud, and illegal entry into the U.S.
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft commented on the case, stating, “This illegal alien admitted that he came to Illinois because the state would give him a driver’s license, and then he used that license to steal from the elderly all across the Midwest.” He emphasized ongoing efforts to eliminate such criminal activities from the country.
The scam involved impersonators posing as government officials who manipulated victims into believing their Amazon accounts were compromised. Victims were coerced into withdrawing life savings under false pretenses of safeguarding them in phony trust accounts managed by scammers posing as federal agents. The funds were ultimately funneled into accounts controlled by fraudsters in India.
Patel played a crucial role by physically collecting cash and assets from victims’ residences. Testimony revealed instances where Patel collected substantial amounts of money and valuables, including $177,000 worth of gold bars from an elderly victim at an assisted living facility.
Additionally, evidence indicated Patel’s illegal entry into the U.S., having crossed near Vancouver before engaging with co-conspirators based in Georgia. Operating primarily out of Chicago due to its provision of driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status, Patel traveled extensively through Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana executing fraudulent activities.
In sentencing Patel to 12 years imprisonment, the court dismissed his defense of ignorance regarding the scheme’s nature due to his handling significant sums entrusted by scammers. The court highlighted that successful scams rely on operatives within the U.S., warranting severe penalties for those aiding such operations against vulnerable populations.
ICE Homeland Security Investigations Chicago Special Agent Matthew Scarpino remarked on public safety concerns posed by illegal entrants exploiting systems for criminal gain: “HSI remains committed to identifying and dismantling transnational criminal schemes,” particularly those preying upon elderly Americans.
The Federal Trade Commission identified imposter scams as prevalent consumer fraud against Americans as reported in March 2025. Affected individuals are urged to contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 for assistance.
The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies including Homeland Security Investigations alongside police departments from Edwardsville, Merrill Wisconsin, Lincoln County Wisconsin Sheriff’s Office, and Franklin Indiana Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter T. Reed and Steve Weinhoeft led prosecution efforts.
