An Indian national has been sentenced to four years in prison in the United States for his role in a cross-border fraud scheme that targeted elderly Americans and laundered millions of dollars obtained through impersonation scams.According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, 22-year-old Roshan Shah was sentenced by US District Judge Brett Ludwig on July 27 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering.Prosecutors said Shah, an Indian citizen studying in Canada on a student visa, entered the US on a visitor visa to collect money obtained through the scam.Investigators said Shah’s co-conspirators, based in India, contacted victims by phone and falsely claimed their identities had been used in criminal activities. The callers then convinced victims they had to hand over cash or gold to a supposed federal agent for safekeeping. Authorities said Shah posed as that agent to collect the valuables.Court records show Shah collected more than $3.7 million from 15 victims across the US before his arrest.He was taken into custody in New Berlin, Wisconsin, while attempting to collect what he believed were additional proceeds from fraud using the same scheme.
Judge cites impact on elderly victims
First Assistant US Attorney Brad Schimel said the case underscored the threat posed by international fraud networks targeting Americans.“This case highlights the danger faced by Americans from fraudsters both here and overseas,” Schimel said. “This conviction and sentence are the result of the intensive efforts of federal law enforcement working closely with the US Attorney’s Office to combat the scourge of fraud targeting our seniors.”He added that authorities would continue dedicating substantial resources to investigating fraud, prosecuting offenders and protecting the public from similar schemes.
Investigation involved multiple agencies
Eric Rice, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Wisconsin, said the case reflected the importance of coordinated efforts against transnational fraud.“Homeland Security Investigations remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the American public from transnational fraud schemes that target our most vulnerable citizens,” Rice said.The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the New Berlin Police Department, with prosecutors from the US Attorney’s Office handling the case.
