Patel Sentenced for IRS Fraud

Ashokkumar Patel, a/k/a Andy Patel, 30, of Hoffman Estates, Ill., and formerly of Worcester and Plainville, Mass., has been sentenced to 40 months in prison for his role in a wire fraud scheme that targeted victims with fake IRS debts.

Patel pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering in June 2019. The scheme, which operated from December 2013 to October 2014, involved victims being contacted by individuals, primarily in India, and falsely told that they owed money to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The victims were instructed to purchase MoneyPak, or other types of prepaid stored value cards, load thousands of dollars onto the cards and provide the serial numbers to the callers. After doing so, the victims’ money was quickly transferred to prepaid debit cards, such as Green Dot Debit Cards, which were then used to purchase money orders.

Patel was responsible for purchasing the prepaid debit cards, using them to purchase money orders and then depositing the purchased money orders into various bank accounts, including his own. The loss amount to victims tied to Patel totaled $881,622.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement of Patel’s sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle L. Dineen Jerrett of Lelling’s Office prosecuted the case.

Patel’s sentence, which includes one year of supervised release and an order to pay restitution to the victims in an amount to be determined, was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman. The sentencing brings closure to the victims of the scheme, who were targeted by Patel and his co-conspirators.

The case highlights the importance of vigilance and awareness when it comes to protecting oneself from financial scams. The IRS will never demand payment in the form of prepaid debit cards or money orders, and individuals should always be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls or messages demanding payment.

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