On December 11, 2024, a federal grand jury in Tucson indicted Ahmed Maqbul Syed, 57, and Rupesh Chandra Chintakindi, 27, both Indian citizens. They are charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering. Syed also faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The indictment claims that Syed, Chintakindi, and others laundered fraudulent proceeds from schemes targeting elderly victims across the United States, including Arizona. Victims were reportedly tricked by a "pop-up" display on their computers indicating hacking or other issues. They were directed to contact "tech support" or "government representatives," who were actually conspirators convincing them that their accounts had been compromised. Victims were then instructed to withdraw or transfer money under false pretenses.
Victims were allegedly told to purchase gold from dealers and withdraw cash. Supposed government representatives would collect these items from the victims. Additionally, victims bought gift cards and transferred the numbers to individuals they believed would assist them. At least one victim was instructed to deposit cash into a bitcoin ATM.
Convictions for conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Syed has been arrested and detained pending trial. An indictment is merely an accusation; it does not imply guilt. A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by a jury.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Indianapolis and Phoenix Divisions) and the Marana Police Department in Arizona, with assistance from local law enforcement agencies in Arizona, Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas, and Indiana. The prosecution is being handled by the United States Attorney’s Office in Tucson.