Two men from New Jersey have been indicted on charges of wire fraud conspiracy, accused of deceiving victims across five states by pretending to be government officials. The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on April 3.
Bharat Awasarmol and Prakashkumar Prajapati have been implicated in a scheme that allegedly began in March 2023. They are accused of defrauding seven victims in states including Maine, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, and Virginia. According to the indictment, the victims received phone calls from individuals claiming to be government officials. These imposters allegedly convinced victims to withdraw cash and purchase gold under the pretense of governmental safekeeping. Arrangements were then made for the victims to hand over their valuables to individuals posing as government agents.
Awasarmol was apprehended in Maine while accepting a package from a victim who had been misled by someone impersonating a Federal Trade Commission employee. Awasarmol is also accused of accepting cash and gold from six other victims across different states. Prajapati is alleged to have directed Awasarmol's interactions, providing instructions and meeting locations.
Awasarmol faces additional charges for allegedly making false statements to an FBI agent about his involvement in the scheme.
If found guilty, both men could face up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 for the wire fraud conspiracy charge. Awasarmol could face an additional five-year sentence and a $250,000 fine for the false statement charge.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is handling the case. It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendants are considered innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.