Related Federal Cases
Former Hindu Temple Leader Sentenced to 27 Years, 3 Months in Prison
ATLANTA – In a shocking turn of events, Annamalai Annamalai, the former leader of the now-defunct Hindu Temple of Georgia, has been sentenced to 27 years and 3 months in prison following his conviction on 34 felony counts, including bank fraud, tax fraud, bankruptcy fraud, and obstruction charges.
Annamalai, a self-proclaimed ‘child prodigy’ and ‘priest’, received his fate today for the fraud that he perpetrated on the faithful followers that believed in him. The income generated by the Hindu Temple through these credit card charges was used to fund the personal lifestyle of Annamalai and his family, who owned or controlled numerous homes and real properties, luxury vehicles, and foreign bank accounts in India.
According to Acting United States Attorney John A. Horn, the indictment and other information presented in court, Annamalai generated income through the Hindu Temple by charging fees to his followers in exchange for providing spiritual or related services. In a typical transaction, a follower agreed to purchase a particular service for a communicated price, and provided a credit card number by telephone to guarantee payment. Annamalai caused the followers’ credit card numbers to be charged on multiple occasions, in excess of their agreed amount and without authorization.
‘Annamalai perverted the sacred institution of religion by using it as a vehicle for greed and personal profit,’ said Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Horn. ‘He convinced his victims that they had a problem in need of spiritual guidance, and then took advantage of their vulnerabilities for personal financial gain. The sentence rendered against him is lengthy but just and fair considering the irreparable harm he caused to his victims.’
Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, stated, ‘This defendant utilized the nation’s financial system to steal money from unsuspecting victims and then used the money for his own personal benefit. This sentence is a vital element in maintaining public confidence in our legal and financial system.’
Annamalai, 49, of Baytown, Texas, was convicted on August 25, 2014, for bank fraud and tax fraud offenses. He was also convicted of bankruptcy fraud offenses in connection with the Hindu Temple’s petition for bankruptcy protection in August 2009. Annamalai concealed assets from creditors and others by diverting credit card receipts and donations intended for the Hindu Temple to a bank account in the name of a different entity.
Annamalai was also convicted of money laundering for using proceeds from the bankruptcy fraud to pay mortgages on properties that he owned, and payments to himself. He was convicted on three counts of obstruction and false statements in connection with the grand jury investigation and the bankruptcy proceeding. Annamalai transmitted a fraudulent email to an IRS Special Agent, which was falsely made to appear as if the email had been written and authored by a witness of the criminal investigation.
Finally, Annamalai was convicted of conspiring with his spouse and others to conceal the arrest of co-defendant Kumar Chinnathambi. Annamalai’s sentence is a significant blow to those who thought they could use their position of trust to commit financial crimes and get away with it.
Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
