A Brookfield, Wisconsin man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of money laundering conspiracy and substantive money laundering. The announcement was made by Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
Ankurkumar Patel, 41, faces one count each of money laundering conspiracy and substantive money laundering under Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1956(h) and 1957. According to the indictment, Patel allegedly conspired with others to launder over $1 million from elderly victims across several states. One of the victims was located in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and reportedly fell victim to a “Phantom Hacker Scam.”
Phantom Hacker Scams involve perpetrators who typically target older adults by posing as customer service agents from companies or government agencies. These individuals claim that the victim’s identity or bank account has been compromised. Victims are then referred to co-conspirators impersonating law enforcement agents who instruct them to move their funds—often in cash or gold—to accounts supposedly for safekeeping. The indictment alleges that Patel personally collected over $1 million from such victims and helped distribute it through secretive transactions with other co-conspirators.
“If convicted of the money laundering conspiracy, Patel would face a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of not more than $500,000, or twice the value of the property involved, whichever is greater. If convicted of the substantive money laundering count, Patel would face a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of not more than $250,000, or twice the amount of the criminally derived property.”
The FBI in Milwaukee and Homeland Security Investigations in St. Louis conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Peter J. Smyczek will prosecute the case.
“If you believe you or someone you know may have fallen victim to a similar scam, please contact the FBI at 414-276-4684.”
Authorities remind that an indictment is only an accusation; “the defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”
