TUCSON, AZ — Two individuals have been indicted in connection with a “tech support” scam targeting elderly victims across the United States, including in Arizona.
On December 11, 2024, a federal grand jury in Tucson charged Ahmed Maqbul Syed, 57, and Rupesh Chandra Chintakindi, 27, both Indian nationals, with Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. Syed also faces charges of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.
Alleged Scheme
According to the indictment, Syed, Chintakindi, and others participated in a scheme that deceived elderly victims into believing their computers had been hacked or their financial information compromised. Victims were directed to contact supposed “tech support” or “government representatives,” who were, in reality, co-conspirators in the scheme.
The conspirators allegedly convinced victims to withdraw or transfer money under the guise of protecting their accounts. Victims were instructed to purchase gold, withdraw cash, or buy gift cards, and then hand over these assets to individuals posing as government representatives. In one case, a victim was directed to deposit cash into a bitcoin ATM.
Legal Penalties
If convicted, Syed and Chintakindi each face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering and Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.
Syed has been arrested and is being detained pending trial. The charges against the accused are allegations, and both individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Investigation and Prosecution
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (Indianapolis and Phoenix Divisions) and the Marana Police Department led the investigation, with assistance from law enforcement agencies in Arizona, Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas, and Indiana. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is overseeing the prosecution.
This case underscores the ongoing threat of elder fraud and highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable populations from predatory schemes.