21 Indian-origin people sentenced in the US for their involvement in call centre scam
Washington, July 21 (IBNS): Twenty-one people of Indian origin were sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment for their involvement in an India-based money laundering scam through call centres, that defrauded thousands of U.S. residents of hundreds of millions of dollars.
This followed the sentencing of three others earlier this year who too were charged with criminal deception, which was operated out of India-based call centres that targeted U.S. residents in various telephone fraud schemes. The sentencing hearings took place in Houston, Texas, before the judge David Hittner of the Southern District of Texas.
The announcement of this sentence for imprisonment was made by Attorney General Jeff Sessions of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Sessions said, "The stiff sentences imposed this week represent the culmination of the first-ever large-scale, multi-jurisdiction prosecution targeting the India call centre scam industry."
He added, "This case represents one of the most significant victories to date in our continuing efforts to combat elder fraud and the victimization of the most vulnerable members of the U.S. public."
"The transnational criminal ring of fraudsters and money launderers who conspired to bilk older Americans, legal immigrants and many others out of their life savings through their lies, threats and financial schemes must recognize that all resources at the Department’s disposal will be deployed to shut down these telefraud schemes, put those responsible in jail, and bring a measure of justice to the victims.”
Attorney Patrick of the Southern District of Texas said, " This type of fraud is sickening. However, after years of investigation and incredible hard work by multiple agents and attorneys, these con artists are finally headed to prison. Their cruel tactics preyed on some very vulnerable people, thereby stealing millions from them. These sentences should send a strong message that we will follow the trail no matter how difficult and seek justice for those victimized by these types of transnational schemes. We will simply not stand by and allow criminals to use the names of legitimate government agencies to enrich themselves by victimizing others.”
Sources have revealed that the operator of the call-centres targeted US citizens, fooled them into believing that they owed money to the government and they would even be charged with arrest, imprisonment, deportation, and fines if they didn't pay the desired sum.
After the money was transferred from the victims to the callers, a network of U.S.-based runners moved expeditiously to liquidate and launder fraud proceeds through the use of anonymous stored value cards.
The indictment in this case also charged 32 India-based conspirators and five India-based call centres with general conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, and money laundering conspiracy. These defendants have yet to be put on trial, in this case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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