Harmish Patel, a 26-year-old from Streamwood, Illinois, has been indicted for his involvement in a gold bullion scam targeting an elderly couple in Rensselaer County. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo Field Office.
The indictment alleges that between December 1, 2023, and March 29, 2024, Patel conspired with others to transport fraudulently obtained gold bullion across state lines. He is accused of moving the gold from New York to New Jersey on three separate occasions: December 15, 2023; January 4, 2024; and January 15, 2024. As stated in a previously filed criminal complaint, Patel collected the gold bullion from an elderly couple in Brunswick, New York, who had been victims of a scam. It is important to note that these charges are accusations and Patel is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
If convicted, Patel faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and a supervised release term of up to three years. Sentencing will be determined by a judge considering the statutes violated and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The case is under investigation by HSI with assistance from the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping is leading the prosecution.
This legal action forms part of the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative aimed at combating elder abuse and financial scams targeting older adults. Information about attempted elder fraud can be reported via the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311.