On December 11, 2024, a federal grand jury in Tucson indicted Ahmed Maqbul Syed and Rupesh Chandra Chintakindi for conspiracy to commit money laundering. Both individuals are citizens of India. Syed also faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

The indictment claims that Syed, Chintakindi, and others laundered fraudulent proceeds from schemes targeting elderly victims across the United States, including Arizona. The victims were allegedly misled by a "pop-up" display on their computers suggesting hacking or other issues. They were instructed to contact "tech support" or "government representatives," who were actually conspirators in the scheme. These conspirators convinced the victims that their accounts had been compromised and directed them to withdraw or transfer money under false pretenses.

Victims were reportedly told to purchase gold from dealers and withdraw cash, which was then collected by individuals posing as government representatives. Additionally, they were directed to buy gift cards and transfer the card numbers to supposed helpers. At least one victim made cash deposits into a bitcoin ATM.

If convicted, both charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine each.

Syed has been arrested and is detained pending trial. It is important to note that an indictment does not imply guilt; an individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Indianapolis and Phoenix Divisions along with the Marana Police Department. Other law enforcement agencies from Arizona, Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas, and Indiana contributed as well. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona in Tucson is prosecuting the case.