A 24-year-old individual from Haryana, Sukhdev Vaid, has been handed a prison sentence of 51 months by a US court for perpetrating a scheme of wire fraud against an elderly American woman, resulting in the loss of USD 150,000. This announcement was made by a US attorney.
Vaid, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud in December 2023, was found to have defrauded the woman as part of an elaborate international computer hacking operation. This scheme specifically targeted elderly Americans across the nation, leading to cumulative losses exceeding USD 1.2 million, according to US Attorney Jesse Laslovich.
In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered Vaid to pay restitution amounting to USD 1,236,470. Furthermore, upon completion of his custodial term, Vaid will be subject to deportation, as per the ruling.
Expressing gratitude for the diligent efforts of the FBI, Laslovich remarked on the prevalence of such fraudulent activities targeting residents of Montana, particularly in the realm of wire fraud. He emphasized the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI highlighted the insidious nature of "Phantom Hacker" scams, which involve impersonating various personas to gain access to victims' computers and personal information. Sinha also underscored the vulnerability of senior citizens to such schemes.
Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino cautioned the public against the prevalence of such scams, urging vigilance and restraint when approached by strangers soliciting access to personal information or financial assets.
In court statements, victims shared the profound emotional and financial impact of the fraud, expressing feelings of violation, mistrust, and financial insecurity.
According to court documents, the fraudulent enterprise, originating from India, was implicated in siphoning off USD 1,236,470 from elderly Americans. The investigation into the Montana case began in February 2023, following a report by Glacier Bank regarding the victimization of a 73-year-old woman in Kalispell.
Following a coordinated operation by the FBI, Vaid and his co-defendant, Eddly Joseph of Gainesville, Florida, were apprehended when they attempted to collect money from the victim. Joseph had previously been sentenced to two years and nine months in prison for his involvement in the case.
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