Indian National Sentenced to 90 Months in US for $2.2 Million Elder Fraud Scheme
Ligneshkumar H. Patel, an Indian national, has been sentenced to 90 months in a US federal prison for his involvement in a multi-state fraud scheme targeting elderly victims. Patel pleaded guilty to wire-fraud charges and is required to repay over $2 million. Prosecutors noted that he collected cash and gold
In a significant ruling, a 38-year-old Indian national, Ligneshkumar H. Patel, has been sentenced to 90 months in a federal prison in the United States for his role in a fraudulent scheme that swindled over $2.2 million from elderly victims across multiple states. The sentence was handed down in a federal court in Los Angeles, where Patel pleaded guilty to wire-fraud charges earlier this year.
According to court documents, Patel was part of a sophisticated operation that preyed on vulnerable seniors, often using deceptive tactics to gain their trust before defrauding them of their life savings. The fraud scheme involved a series of phone calls posing as government officials and law enforcement officers, falsely claiming that the victims owed money or faced legal issues. Prosecutors indicated that the victims were often manipulated into sending cash, gold, or other valuables to Patel and his accomplices.
“Patel and his associates were calculated in their approach, exploiting the trust and fear of their victims,” said an unnamed prosecutor involved in the case. “It’s crucial for the justice system to hold individuals accountable for preying on our elders.”
The fraud ring reportedly used technology to spoof phone numbers, giving the illusion of authority, which further compounded the victims' fears. In total, Patel is believed to have collected millions in cash and precious metals, affecting dozens of households across various states, including California, Texas, and New York. Many victims were left in dire financial straits, some even facing the prospect of losing their homes.
During the sentencing, U.S. District Judge Mark C. Scarsi emphasized the need for deterrence, stating that such crimes against the elderly are particularly egregious due to the significant psychological and financial impacts they have on victims. “We must send a message that this type of exploitation cannot be tolerated,” Judge Scarsi remarked before delivering the sentence.
Alongside the prison term, Patel has been ordered to repay more than $2 million in restitution to his victims. This requirement further underscores the judicial system’s commitment to ensuring that offenders not only face time behind bars but also make amends for the harm they've caused.
The case has raised awareness about the increasing sophistication of schemes targeting seniors, prompting advocacy groups to call for heightened protections and educational initiatives to better equip older adults against scams. Community organizations have stepped up efforts to inform seniors about common fraud tactics, emphasizing the importance of verifying information before taking action.
As Patel begins his 90-month sentence, the case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by the elderly population and the urgent need for protective measures. The Los Angeles federal court’s decision is a significant step in addressing this troubling trend, aiming to restore some measure of justice to the victims who were defrauded.
