Pradip Parikh and Alpesh Patel have been convicted for their involvement in a transnational telephone scam that defrauded Americans of millions. The verdict came after a five-day jury trial in Atlanta.
"This case involved a scheme to defraud multiple victims – many of whom were elderly – and to callously rob them of their hard-earned savings," stated U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. He emphasized the defendants' exploitation of public trust in federal institutions through government-imposter scams.
Michelle L. Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit at the Social Security Administration, highlighted the impact on vulnerable citizens, noting, "This telephone imposter scheme defrauded millions of Americans and caused real harm to individuals who believed they were protecting their benefits."
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown added, "This sentencing should make it known to individuals that protecting our most vulnerable community members is critically important."
The scam involved an India-based call center operation where fraudsters impersonated Social Security Administration employees. Victims were told their Social Security Numbers were compromised and directed to send money to accounts controlled by Parikh, Patel, and others.
A 70-year-old victim from New Jersey testified about transferring over $600,000 after being threatened with arrest. Another victim transferred more than $300,000 as part of the scheme. Funds were laundered through accounts like "JDM Management" and "Seven Points Agency," controlled by Parikh and Patel respectively.
Parikh was convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering and two substantive counts of money laundering. Patel faced additional charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The maximum penalty for conspiracy to commit wire fraud is 20 years imprisonment, while each money laundering count carries up to ten years. Sentencing will be determined by United States District Judge William M. Ray II at a later date.
The investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General and the FBI. The prosecution team includes Assistant United States Attorney Angela Adams and Special Assistant United States Attorney Diane C. Schulman.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is part of the Department of Justice Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, focusing on foreign-based fraud schemes targeting American seniors.
For further information contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office or visit their website.