What began as opportunities for academic advancement in the United States transformed into a stark reality of imprisonment for two Indian nationals, both of whom were on student visas. In separate incidents, they were handed federal prison sentences for their involvement in large-scale fraud schemes.

Kishan Rajeshkumar Patel, a 20-year-old, who entered the U.S. on a student visa, received a 63-month prison sentence after admitting guilt to conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to the Justice Department, Patel participated in an online phishing operation. This operation saw him impersonating U.S. government officials, leveraging intimidation to coerce elderly victims into parting with their money and gold. Patel's role involved fraudulently receiving cash and gold from these victims, passing a portion to accomplices, and retaining a percentage for himself. His arrest occurred on August 24, 2024, in Granite Shoals, Texas, while attempting to collect what he believed was $130,000. Investigations revealed that the scheme targeted at least 25 elderly individuals, with intended losses totaling nearly $2.7 million. He has been in federal custody since August 29, 2024. US Attorney Justin Simmons condemned Patel’s actions, stating that he “took advantage of his visa status…and participated in an international fraud scheme,” preying on the fears of vulnerable citizens by impersonating government officials.

In a similar case, two other Indian students, Mahammadilham Vahora and Hajiali Vahora, both 24 years old and attending East-West University in Chicago, were arrested in April 2025. They were charged with theft and crimes against at-risk individuals, including robbery and money laundering related to illegal investments. These students allegedly impersonated "government agents" and convinced an elderly person to send money via a cryptocurrency ATM and purchase gold, which they physically collected. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office began investigating after receiving a complaint in October 2024 from an elderly victim who had been threatened by a scammer claiming to be a "government agent". The police were able to identify and locate the two suspects by tracing cell phone tower records.

These cases highlight a disturbing trend of individuals exploiting the U.S. student visa system to engage in fraudulent activities, particularly those targeting vulnerable elderly populations. The schemes often involve sophisticated methods of deception, including impersonating government officials and using threats to instill fear and manipulate victims. Law enforcement agencies are actively working to combat these types of scams and bring perpetrators to justice, as well as increase awareness among potential victims.