ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A stunning $4.5 million fraud scheme has been unraveled in Anchorage, as Michael Edward Gregg, 62, and Vikash Pandey, a 36-year-old Indian national, were hit with federal charges for their alleged roles in a nine-year con that spanned the globe and victimized at least 28 people.
According to court documents, Gregg and Pandey, along with other co-conspirators, posed as tech support employees, reaching out to mostly elderly and vulnerable individuals. The scam began with phishing emails or pop-up messages claiming computer virus issues, followed by fake refunds worth $400-$500, and then the fraudulent claim of over-refunding victims by up to $50,000 each.
Victims were instructed to return the funds via various means, including checks, wire transfers, cash, and Bitcoin. Gregg and another co-conspirator set up multiple bank accounts to receive these fraudulent funds. They would often invent reasons why more money was needed, leading to a total of over $2 million being transferred to Gregg by one elderly victim alone.
Gregg collected commissions ranging from 3-20% before funneling the rest abroad, including India, Hong Kong, and Singapore, with Pandey as an alleged international contact. Despite financial institutions flagging his accounts, Gregg controlled over two dozen bank accounts used in the conspiracy.
Gregg and Pandey face charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and international money laundering conspiracy. Gregg’s initial court appearance is set for September 9, 2025, while Pandey remains at large in India. Convictions could lead to up to 20 years in prison or fines reaching twice the value of the laundered funds.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman and Special Agent in Charge Carrie Nordyke of the IRS Criminal Investigation Seattle Field Office led the charge, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Caille Petursson prosecuting the case. The IRS Criminal Investigation Seattle Field Office is investigating, with support from the FBI Anchorage Field Office.
As fraud schemes grow more sophisticated, authorities urge the public to protect personal and financial information, steer clear of suspicious links or messages, and report any such incidents.
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Key Facts
- State: Alaska
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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