Latest news with #Bollywood-style
Mint
a day ago
- Mint
Who are Sidhartha 'Sammy' Mukherjee and Sunita Mukherjee? Indian origin couple arrested in $4 million fraud in Texas
Celebrated for their glamorous public appearances and Bollywood-style performances, Sidhartha Mukherjee, aka Sammy, and his wife, Sunita Mukherjee, were known faces of the Indian community in North Texas. However, according to a Daily Mail report, the couple has been arrested in connection with a multimillion-dollar real estate fraud case. They have allegedly defrauded over 100 victims of at least $4 million ( ₹ 33 crore) through fictitious investment projects, and are now facing first-degree felony theft charges. The Mukherjees are currently being held at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility. The Mukherjees reportedly arrived in the US from India seeking asylum. Over the years, they hosted Bollywood-style musical events and cultural parties and became well-known in North Texas social circles. The couple maintained an active public presence until just before their arrest, but had filed for bankruptcy in 2024. Investigators are now exploring whether the defrauded funds were moved offshore or into cryptocurrency accounts. According to the arrest affidavit, Sidhartha Mukherjee also has outstanding fraud warrants in Mumbai. If convicted, Sidhartha and Sunita Mukherjee could face prison sentences ranging from five to 99 years. However, the Mukherjees have denied all allegations of fraud and distortion, alleging that they are the victims of a conspiracy. According to investigators, the couple lured victims into non-existent real estate deals by promising high returns. Investors were given fake, but convincing documents, including fake remodelling contracts and invoices allegedly from the Dallas Housing Authority. 'The investors didn't realise the fraud until the dividend cheques started to bounce,' reported CBS News. The fraudulent scheme came to light in 2024 when a couple claimed to have lost $325,000 and approached authorities. The investigation launched by Euless Police later expanded with FBI involvement. Detective Brian Brennan of Euless Police told CBS that he has never seen a 'fraudster' in his 23 years as 'prolific' as Sammy Mukherjee. Brennan said that the verification of the Dallas Housing Authority invoices confirmed that the projects were entirely fabricated. Several victims have come forward to describe the couple's persuasive and glamorous facade. So far, only 20 victims have been officially recorded, but investigators believe the total number may exceed 100. 'They will make you believe that they are very successful businesspeople. But they will take every single penny you have,' said Terry Parvaga, one of the victims, in a statement to CBS News. The couple allegedly targeted elderly individuals and was also involved in a PPP scam. The Mukherjees would reportedly target their older victims with threatening emails, falsely warning them of imminent arrest unless immediate payments were made. The Daily Mail reported that they are also accused of submitting false documents to obtain federal pandemic relief under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). To avail themselves of the benefits, they listed fake employees and fabricated payroll records.
NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
Indian-Origin Couple Arrested In $4 Million Real Estate Scam In US: "Most Prolific Fraudsters"
A high-profile Indian-origin couple in North Texas, known for their glamorous public appearances and Bollywood-style performances, has been arrested in connection with a multimillion-dollar real estate fraud case. According to authorities, Sidhartha "Sammy" Mukherjee and his wife Sunita allegedly convinced over 100 investors to part with at least $4 million (approximately ₹33 crore) by promising investments in non-existent real estate projects, CBS News reported. The couple's elaborate scheme has left many victims in financial distress. Prosecutors say the couple led a glamorous life to gain people's trust, hosting charity events and presenting themselves as successful businesspeople. However, their public image was just a facade to cover up their illicit activities. The Multimillion-dollar Fraud The alleged victims claimed they were deceived into investing in what they thought were legitimate real estate deals, lured by the promise of high returns. However, suspicions arose when dividend checks began to bounce. One alleged victim, Seshu Madabhushi, lamented that he should have been more vigilant in asking questions, but never suspected the extent of the deceit. "They will make you believe that they are very successful businesspeople. But they will take every single penny you have," said Terry Parvaga, another fraud victim. Initially, several police departments dismissed the complaints as civil disputes. However, Euless Police Detective Brian Brennan, an experienced white-collar crime investigator, took on the case after a couple approached him in 2024, claiming they had lost $325,000 in the alleged scheme. How was the scam exposed? Multiple investors accused the Mukherjees of providing fake remodelling contracts and invoices from the Dallas Housing Authority to convince them to invest in supposedly lucrative projects. However, when Detective Brennan contacted the DHA, he found that no such projects existed. According to the affidavit, the Mukherjees allegedly used forged documents, including paperwork, receipts, and email correspondence, to deceive investors. Investigators believe this forgery was not limited to one deal. The case has since expanded, with the FBI involved, and forensic accountants estimating victim losses to exceed $4 million, affecting 20 confirmed and over 100 potential victims. The couple has now been arrested and is currently being held at a detention facility in the US. The Mukherjees' alleged deception extended beyond real estate, involving a fake company and fictitious employees to obtain a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan. Investigators found that the couple submitted false payroll forms and misrepresented the purpose of the funds. They also allegedly scammed elderly individuals by threatening them with arrest and convincing them to send money to law enforcement. Detective Brennan described Sammy Mukherjee as "probably the most prolific fraudster" he had seen in his 23-year career. "Tentacles going in all different directions", he remarked. What happens next? Sammy and Sunita Mukherjee face serious charges, including first-degree felony theft, which carries a potential sentence of 5 to 99 years in prison if convicted. After posting a $500,000 bond, Sammy Mukherjee was taken into custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and is being held at a detention facility near Fort Worth. The couple, who allegedly came to the US from India seeking asylum, also has an unclear immigration status. Records show Sammy Mukherjee has outstanding fraud warrants in Mumbai. When previously contacted, Sammy Mukherjee denied allegations, claiming a coordinated effort to defame him due to jealousy.
News18
a day ago
- Business
- News18
When Bollywood Glitz Meets Fraud: How The Mukherjees Orchestrated A $4 Million Scam In Texas
Sidhartha Mukherjee and Sunita presented what appeared to be ironclad contracts, including forged invoices and signatures—claiming fictitious deals with Dallas Housing Authority In the upscale neighbourhoods of Plano, Texas, Sidhartha 'Sammy" Mukherjee and his wife Sunita stood out as the epitome of glamour in the local Indian-American community. Known for their Bollywood-style performances and high-society charity galas, the couple built a glittering reputation that dazzled hundreds—including those who would soon become their victims and be defrauded of more than $4 million. According to CBS News Texas, the Mukherjees' scheme hinged on their ability to win the trust of their victims. 'They will make you believe that they are very successful businesspeople. But they will take every single penny you have," said Terry Parvaga, a local resident who lost her entire $400,000 retirement nest egg to the Mukherjees' promises of high returns through real estate investments. Their reputation was strengthened by appearances at community events and well-publicised fundraisers. A Times of India report said the couple would captivate audiences with Bollywood performances, creating an aura of credibility and class that made even the most skeptical attendees drop their guard. It was at these very gatherings, surrounded by the trappings of success and social proof, that the Mukherjees would pitch their can't-miss investment opportunities. One of the victims, while speaking to the media, said: 'He was so persuasive, so convincing. And he made you feel like you were part of something big." The Mukherjees' ruse was elaborate. They presented investors with what appeared to be ironclad contracts and official documents, including forged invoices and signatures—even claiming fictitious deals with the Dallas Housing Authority, Hindustan Times reported. A victim group led by Seshu Madabushi said they had 'no reason" to doubt him. 'He looked successful, showed us all the paperwork, gave us regular updates, and even introduced us to other investors." The group collectively contributed over $128,000 to what turned out to be a non-existent real estate project named Roseland Estates. At first, everything seemed above board. Early investors even received supposed 'returns", paid out with money from newer victims—a classic Ponzi move. But as more and more people joined in and the payouts began to lag, suspicions grew. The Mukherjees reportedly continued to smooth over doubts with excuses, glitzy parties, and promises of even bigger projects in the pipeline. However, the façade began to crumble when the case caught the attention of Euless Police Detective Brian Brennan. The Financial Express reported that Brennan described Sammy Mukherjee as 'probably the most prolific fraudster I've seen—tentacles stretching in every direction". Initially, the cases were chalked up to civil disputes. Still, as the gravity of the scam became apparent—with total losses exceeding $4 million and more than 100 victims—local police worked with the FBI to unravel the elaborate scheme, FE added. The Mukherjees were finally arrested in June 2025 and held in an immigration detention facility. They now face serious charges, including first-degree felony theft, with authorities labeling the operation as one of the 'largest and most elaborate" frauds to hit the region in recent years, CBS News Texas said. For Plano's Indian-American community and the many victims who trusted the Mukherjees, the fallout has been painful and sobering. 'I still can't believe it," said one investor. 'We all wanted to believe in their dream. We never saw the nightmare coming." view comments First Published: July 21, 2025, 12:13 IST News world When Bollywood Glitz Meets Fraud: How The Mukherjees Orchestrated A $4 Million Scam In Texas Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Indian couple in Texas charged in $4M scam. How the Mukherjees duped over 100 people
A well-known Indian-origin couple in North Texas, celebrated for their glamorous public appearances and Bollywood-style performances, has been arrested in connection with a multimillion-dollar real estate fraud case. Sidhartha 'Sammy' Mukherjee and Sunita, Indian couple in Texas famous for 'Bollywood-style performance' accused of multimillion-dollar fraud.(X/@kachatterjee and @AppleSeedTX) Authorities allege that Sidhartha 'Sammy' Mukherjee and his wife Sunita defrauded over 100 victims of at least $4 million ( ₹33 crore) through fictitious investment projects. The Mukherjees, once prominent social figures in the Indian-American community in Plano, Texas are now facing first-degree felony theft charges, reported Daily Mail, adding that the couple are currently being held at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility. How Indian-origin Texas couple duped millions According to investigators, the couple lured victims into non-existent real estate deals by promising high returns. Investors were given convincing-looking documents, including fake remodeling contracts and invoices allegedly from the Dallas Housing Authority. 'The investors didn't realize the fraud until the dividend cheques started to bounce,' reported CBS News. The fraudulent scheme came to light in 2024 when a couple claimed to have lost $325,000 and approached authorities. Euless Police detective Brian Brennan launched an investigation, which later expanded with FBI involvement. Detective Brennan told CBS that has never seen a 'fraudster' in his 23 years as 'prolific' as Sammy Mukherjee. He explained that the verification of the Dallas Housing Authority invoices confirmed that the projects were entirely fabricated. Many victims have come forward, describing the couple's persuasive and glamorous facade. So far, only 20 victims have been officially recorded, but investigators believe the total number may exceed 100. 'They will make you believe that they are very successful businesspeople. But they will take every single penny you have,' said Terry Parvaga, one of the victims, in a statement to CBS News. PPP loan fraud and threats to elderly victims The couple also allegedly targeted elderly individuals with threatening emails, falsely warning them of imminent arrest unless immediate payments were made. Beyond the real estate scam, the Mukherjees are also accused of submitting false documents to obtain federal pandemic relief under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). They listed fake employees and fabricated payroll records to avail the benifits, the Daily Mail reported citing an arrest affidavit. During an FBI interview at a McDonald's in Plano, Sammy Mukherjee reportedly denied knowing the names on the payroll tied to the PPP loan. Filed for bankruptcy in 2024 Despite growing scrutiny, the couple maintained an active public presence until just before their arrest. But they filed for bankruptcy in 2024. Investigators are now exploring whether the defrauded funds were moved offshore or into cryptocurrency accounts. The Mukherjees reportedly arrived in the US from India seeking asylum, though federal records cited by the Daily Mail do not confirm their current immigration status. According to arrest affidavit, Sidhartha Mukherjee also has outstanding fraud warrants in Mumbai. If convicted, Sidhartha and Sunita Mukherjee could face prison sentences ranging from five to 99 years.
Elle
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
Everything We Know About Netflix's ‘Best of the Best'
The upcoming Netflix feature Best of the Best starring Hasan Minhaj was first announced in 2023, with Flora & Ulysses director Lena Khan set to direct. Two years later the Bollywood-style comedy focused on the world of collegiate-level dance competitions is really coming together. Here's everything we know about the movie so far. Maya and Anjali are two childhood best friends who find the dynamic of their relationship changes after joining their college's competitive Bollywood dance team. In the team's quest to win the national championship, both girls discover just how cutthroat the experience of traditional dance can get. Per Variety, the story celebrates 'the vibrancy of Bollywood Fusion Dance, the growing pains of young adulthood and the lasting power of friendship.' On July 17, Variety reported that Never Have I Ever star Maitreyi Ramakrishnan had joined Minhaj along with Everything To Me's Priyanka Kedia. Khan had directed Ramakrishnan in several episodes of her hit show on Netflix. The actress seemed to refer to training for the new role in an Instagram post about the film, writing in the caption, 'my body is sore but my heart is full💗💃🏾.' Kedia celebrated the news she was joining the cast as well, writing in a post, 'the most surreal announcement i never could have imagined i'd get to make. from the bottom of my heart thank you thank you thank you for making that little girl's (and her parents') dreams come true. this is going to be such an insanely special one. get ready!!!!!!!!!!!! 🥹❤️' The script was penned by Minhaj and Prashanth Venkataramanujam, who are also producing, along with Jonathan Eirich and Ryan Halprin for Rideback. This post will be updated.
