An Indian national has been sentenced to 90 months in federal prison for his role in a scheme targeting elderly victims across several states, including Illinois and Missouri. Ligneshkumar H. Patel, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and financial institution fraud, as well as two counts of wire fraud. He was also ordered by the court to pay over $2 million in restitution.
According to prosecutors, Patel participated in an imposter scam that targeted at least 11 identified victims from Edwardsville and Effingham, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri. The scam involved impersonating law enforcement or federal officials to deceive victims into handing over their assets for supposed protection.
“Imposter scams are international conspiracies often using U.S.-based money mules to meet victims in person to take their money,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutes these fraudsters aggressively, and anyone who targets elderly victims will face certain justice.”
Court documents revealed that Patel drove to the homes of elderly residents in five states—Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin—to collect money and gold from them directly. The total value of assets taken from the 11 identified victims amounted to $2,231,216.99. Investigators determined that Patel was part of a larger operation with at least 85 additional intended victims and an intended loss exceeding $6.9 million.
“This case highlights the serious consequences for individuals who prey on the elderly through sophisticated fraud schemes,” said Matthew J. Scarpino, special agent in charge of HSI Chicago. “HSI remains dedicated to protecting our communities from financial crimes and ensuring that those responsible are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Patel admitted he acted as a courier or “money mule” by picking up cash and gold from multiple locations across five states.
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Edwardsville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Reed prosecuted the case.
