Ahmedabad: A Gujarati woman, approximately 30 years old and holding a US green card, was arrested in the United States on May 19 for allegedly acting as a courier in a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme. The scam involved a 74-year-old victim who was duped into handing over gold worth more than $3 million. This case is notable as it involves a green card holder of this age being caught in a crime targeting the elderly.
Details of the Fraud
Investigators claim the woman was wanted in connection with at least 15 similar fraudulent deliveries carried out across Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. She reportedly acted on instructions from a "family friend" based in Gujarat, India.
According to court documents, the accused was intercepted by FBI agents during a planned gold pickup outside a liquor store in Franklin, Indiana. Authorities allege she arrived to collect nearly $500,000 worth of gold coins while impersonating a US Marshal.
How the Scam Unfolded
The case came to light after the victim, who lives with her sister in Camby, Indiana, received a pop-up warning on her computer claiming her identity had been compromised. The scammers impersonated officials and convinced the woman to transfer millions of dollars and convert her savings into gold for "government protection." Investigators said the victim had already spent over $3 million on gold before the FBI was alerted by a coin dealer who found a large purchase suspicious. Agents then coordinated a sting operation and detained the accused woman during the scheduled pickup.
Role of the Accused
During questioning, the woman allegedly admitted she worked as a courier for a wider fraud syndicate operating from outside the US. She reportedly told investigators that a "family friend from Gujarat" was among the key handlers coordinating the scam. A search of her mobile phone allegedly revealed photographs of elderly victims, route maps, and pickup instructions linked to at least 15 deliveries. Investigators claimed she earned around $10,000 for carrying out these assignments.
Legal Status
The woman, who moved from India to the US in 2020 and is an active green card holder, has been charged with fraud, theft, and impersonating a public official. She is currently lodged in the Johnson County Jail on a $500,000 cash bond.
