Indian National Sentenced to 18 Years in US for $6 Million Fraud Targeting Elderly Victims

A 23-year-old Indian national has been sentenced to 18 years in a United States federal prison for his role in a large-scale fraud operation that targeted elderly Americans and siphoned off millions of dollars in cash and gold.

Atharva Shailesh Sathawane was convicted for participating in a sophisticated scam that preyed on senior citizens across multiple states. According to court proceedings, he acted as a key operative in an international fraud network that systematically deceived older individuals into parting with their life savings.

Prosecutors said Sathawane entered the US on a student visa but overstayed after it expired. During that period, he allegedly became involved in the fraudulent scheme, which relied on convincing victims that their money was at risk and needed to be secured. The elderly individuals were persuaded to withdraw funds from bank accounts, liquidate retirement savings, and in some cases convert their assets into gold.

Sathawane then travelled to the victims’ homes to collect the cash and precious metals in person. Authorities stated that he made repeated trips across several states, including Florida, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia and New York, retrieving funds that were later transferred to other members of the criminal network. Investigators estimated that he collected and laundered more than $6 million through these operations.

Law enforcement officials described the fraud as highly coordinated, with overseas handlers directing local operatives. Sathawane’s role as a courier placed him at the centre of the scheme’s execution phase, directly interacting with victims and transporting stolen assets. Officials noted that many of the affected individuals were retirees who lost significant portions of their savings.

The operation came to light following a law enforcement investigation that included surveillance and an undercover effort. Sathawane was ultimately arrested while attempting to collect additional assets from a targeted victim. Digital evidence recovered from his mobile phone reportedly linked him to the broader conspiracy and its organizers. He was charged with multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Following a federal trial, the court handed down an 18-year sentence, reflecting the scale of financial losses and the vulnerability of the victims involved.

Authorities emphasised that fraud schemes targeting elderly citizens remain a growing concern across the country. Officials urged the public to remain vigilant against unsolicited financial requests and to report suspicious activity promptly. The sentencing underscores the seriousness with which US courts treat crimes involving exploitation of seniors. Law enforcement agencies have reiterated their commitment to dismantling international fraud networks and holding those responsible accountable, particularly when vulnerable populations are deliberately targeted.