By PTI
New York, Dec 11, 2025
A 38-year-old Indian national, Ligneshkumar H. Patel, was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison for his role in an imposter scheme that targeted elderly victims across five U.S. states, the Department of Justice said. Patel pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and financial institution fraud and two counts of wire fraud. A judge ordered him to pay more than $2 million in restitution.
Court records show Patel acted as a courier or “money mule,” driving to the homes of at least 11 elderly victims in Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin to collect cash and gold. Investigators say the assets he took totaled $2,231,216.99. He was part of a wider conspiracy that victimized at least 85 people and involved an intended loss exceeding $6.9 million.
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft emphasized that imposter scams often operate across borders and use U.S.-based couriers to extract money in person, and said prosecutors pursue those who target elderly victims vigorously. Matthew J. Scarpino, special agent in charge of HSI Chicago, said the case underscores the serious consequences for participants in sophisticated fraud schemes and reaffirmed HSI’s commitment to protecting communities from financial crime.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Edwardsville Police Department conducted the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Reed.
