An Indian national has been sentenced to 90 months in federal prison for his role in an imposter scam targeting elderly residents in 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 more than $2 million in restitution.
According to authorities, Patel was involved in a scheme that defrauded at least 11 identified victims from Edwardsville and Effingham, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri. Court documents show that Patel drove to the homes of elderly individuals across five states—Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin—to collect money and gold totaling over $2.2 million. The broader conspiracy included at least 85 additional victims with intended losses exceeding $6.9 million.
“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.”
In these types of scams, perpetrators impersonate law enforcement or federal officials to deceive people into surrendering assets or personal information under false pretenses of protection.
“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," picking up cash and valuables from victims as part of the larger operation.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations along with the Edwardsville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Reed led the prosecution.
