Latest news with #Mukherjee
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Investigator says the 'most prolific' fraudsters he's ever seen are a pair of Texas singers
The behind-the-scenes reality wasn't nearly as glamorous as the show they put on. Sidhartha 'Sammy' Mukherjee and his wife Sunita built their reputation as Bollywood-style performers. Beloved in the community, the couple were more than just entertainers — they were stars. Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it But now, investigators say they played a much darker role, one rooted not in music but in manipulation. Authorities believe more than 100 investors may have handed over money to Mukherjee for real estate deals that never existed. When dividend cheques started to bounce, suspicions grew. "They will make you believe that they are very successful businesspeople," Terry Parvaga, an alleged fraud victim, told CBS News. "But they will take every single penny you have." At first, police dismissed the complaints as civil disputes. Then a couple came forward, claiming they lost $325,000 in an investment scheme. That's when Detective Brian Brennan of the Euless Police Department took a closer look. "As I got into the case and dug into it, we realized that this was a lot larger than what initially was reported," Brennan said. Here's how it all unraveled. Paper trails and red flags At first glance, the pitch looked legit: remodeling contracts and invoices bearing the Dallas Housing Authority's name. But when Brennan called the agency to verify the deal, the illusion crumbled; there was no such project. "All fake," Brennan said. "The level of counterfeit documents … it had to be a full-time job for him to do that." A new report from IPX1031 found that nearly 30% of Americans have been scammed in 2024, and this case fits right into that growing trend. As the scheme ballooned, Brennan called in the FBI. Forensic accountants traced the cash, uncovering more than $4 million in confirmed losses. So far, 20 victims are on record, but investigators say the real number could top 100. Read more: Americans are 'revenge saving' to survive — but millions only get a measly 1% on their savings. A web of scams, not just showbiz It wasn't just real estate deals raising eyebrows. According to the arrest affidavit, the couple also used a fake company — complete with fake employees — to apply for a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan. When questioned by the FBI over lunch at a McDonald's, Mukherjee claimed he didn't recognize the names on the payroll form tied to his application — a slip-up that sent up serious red flags. And the paper trail didn't stop there. Authorities say the couple's bank accounts were also padded with funds from elderly victims who were targeted with threatening emails that falsely claimed they would go to jail unless they made payments. The FBI warns this isn't uncommon: in 2024, older Americans lost nearly $4.9 billion to fraud schemes — a 43% jump from the year before. "In [my] 23 years, [Sammy Mukherjee] is probably the most prolific fraudster I've seen," Brennan told the CBS News Texas I-Team. "Tentacles going in all different directions." Even as investigators closed in, the Mukherjees stayed in the spotlight, headlining a cultural gala under a nonprofit. One problem — tax records show the nonprofit was registered at their own home, the same place where police eventually made the arrest. The final curtain falls The spotlight has dimmed on the Mukherjees, and this time, there's no encore. The couple is now facing a first-degree felony theft charge that could put them behind bars for five to 99 years. After posting a $500,000 bond each, ICE agents showed up at their Plano home and took Sammy into custody. While the criminal case moves forward, alleged victims remain stuck in financial limbo. The Mukherjees filed for bankruptcy last year, and investigators are still following paper trails to see if any of the missing millions ended up in offshore accounts or crypto wallets. If an investment opportunity feels too good to be true — even when it comes from someone charismatic or well-connected — that's your sign to hit pause. Always verify documents, check for independent records and talk to a licensed financial advisor before sending money. If you've already fallen victim to a scam, getting your money back can be tough, and you can't undo any personal information that's been exposed. But you can take steps to limit the damage. Report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission, Better Business Bureau and any company involved, such as your bank or email provider. If you clicked on a suspicious link, run a virus scan. Change any passwords the scammer may have accessed and consider using passkeys for added protection. If you share personal or financial details, consider adding a free fraud alert or credit freeze to your credit report to help prevent further identity theft. What to read next Robert Kiyosaki warns of 'massive unemployment' in the US due to the 'biggest change' in history — and says this 1 group of 'smart' Americans will get hit extra hard. Are you one of them? How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you'll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
The Print
a day ago
- The Print
MP Tourism Board holds roadshow in Jaipur to boost ties with Rajasthan, attract tourists
'Tourism for us is not just sightseeing but an experience. From cuisine and folk traditions to rural life, our aim is to promote experiential, sustainable and community-centric tourism,' she said. Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Additional Managing Director Bidisha Mukherjee said the state offers a rich blend of culture, heritage, nature and hospitality. Jaipur, Jul 18 (PTI) The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board organised a roadshow here on Friday to strengthen tourism cooperation with Rajasthan and attract more visitors ahead of the travel mart in October. The roadshow brought together tour operators, hoteliers and tourism stakeholders from both states to explore collaboration and investment opportunities. A presentation showcased Madhya Pradesh's cultural, historical and religious tourism offerings, including Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Chitrakoot, Maihar and Amarkantak. The state is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Bhimbetka rock shelters and the Sanchi Stupa — and 15 tentative sites, Mukherjee said. She added that several tourism festivals will be held in the coming months, including the Gandhi Sagar Forest Retreat in Mandsaur from September 12, the Kuno Forest Retreat in Sheopur from October 5 and the Chanderi Eco Retreat from October 25. PTI SDA OZ OZ This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
In 1st digi-arrest conviction, cops cited 108 victims, 100-crore loss
Kolkata: The nine digital arrest convicts who now face a lifetime behind bars have scammed 108 people and defrauded them to the tune of Rs 100 crore. On Friday, TOI reached out to some of these victims. Dipankar Chatterjee (67) remembers Oct 18 last year. "The first call came from men posing as customer service, threatening to cut off my phone connection as I reportedly committed a crime linked to Mumbai police." For the next three days, Chatterjee — a retired civil assistant engineer with the state panchayat and rural development — was put under 24/7 surveillance by the accused. "It is a nightmare I will not forget. " He is one of the 108 victims cited in court by investigators. Unlike many others, Chatterjee and his wife literally had to live on the streets to pay off the Rs 41 lakh that was extorted from them. With no way out, he and his wife sold their Mankundu residence to raise the money they borrowed to pay the fraudsters. His wife suffers from a terminal illness, and the family had nothing left for her treatment. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata "In Feb, we shifted to Ramkrishna Mission's old-age shelter at Barisha. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo On April 1, when I went to court to provide my statement, I met another couple who lost Rs 1 crore," said Chatterjee. Chatterjee says he was not aware of the sentencing until informed by TOI. "While it is satisfying to see the accused being convicted, it will be a huge relief if we can get back at least a portion of the lost money. I was asked to contact the Ranaghat Cyber Cell a month after I gave my evidence, but nothing materialised. I understand the importance of the probe and conviction, but they need to understand my plight. We are old, and even buying basic medicines is now a challenge," said Chatterjee. Partha Kumar Mukhopadhyay, the original complainant of the case in which the nine accused have been convicted, had a similar experience. The Kalyani resident received the fraud calls on Oct 19 last year. "Technically, both extortions were carried out at the same time," said an officer. Mukherjee got a WhatsApp call and someone calling himself SI Hemraj Koli of Andheri PS claimed Mukherjee was involved in a financial fraud. "He threatened that if I didn't comply with his instructions, he would get me and my wife arrested. He compelled me to deposit Rs 1 crore between Oct 19 and Nov 11," Mukherjee said. Mukherjee said he was "satisfied" with the probe and was "waiting eagerly" to know if he can get back some of the money.
Gulf Insider
4 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Expats In Oman Must Show Hotel, Return Flight Bookings For UAE Tourist Visa
Travel agencies in Oman have confirmed that new regulations require applicants for 30-day tourist and visit visas to the United Arab Emirates to submit hotel booking confirmations and return flight tickets at the time of application, according to the Times of Oman . Previously, travellers needed only a valid passport and a photograph. Under the updated requirements, all applications must now be submitted via the UAE's websites of ICP and GDRFA, or through the ICP App and Dubai Now with supporting documents, including confirmed accommodation and return travel plans. 'Travel agencies have been instructed to submit hotel and flight tickets with every visa application,' Soumava Mukherjee, General Manager of Travel City–Travel Point LLC, told the Times of Oman . 'If not, applications may face delays or even rejection.' Mukherjee added that individuals staying with relatives in the UAE must also submit a copy of a house lease agreement from their host. The changes come alongside rising visa costs. What once cost OMR30 is now being charged at rates between OMR40 and OMR50, depending on the agency. 'Travel agents have started charging anything in between OMR40 and OMR50 for the UAE visa,' said T. Sudheer, an Indian expatriate currently applying for a visa. The new requirements apply to both tourist and visit visa categories. According to Taufiq Uzzaman, Managing Director of Taufiq Travel and Tourism in Ruwi, the UAE authorities have introduced the policy as part of broader efforts to streamline visa processing and enhance regulatory compliance. 'This change, applicable to both tourist and visit visas, aims to streamline the process and ensure compliance,' Uzzaman told to the Times of Oman .
Powys County Times
4 days ago
- Powys County Times
Powys farmer fined again for flouting animal health rules
A FARMER from Powys who refused to test his cattle for Bovine TB has been ordered to pay more £3,000 in court fines. Alastair Meikle 'repeatedly' expressed an anti-authority stance and claimed rules on keeping livestock didn't apply to him. Llandrindod Wells Magistrates' Court heard this week that the defendant failed to complete tuberculosis testing on his herd over a two-year period between 2022 and 2024 and then obstructed animal health inspectors, preventing them from entering his Montgomeryshire property and handing over records relating to the livestock on his farm. It comes after Meikle, of Gardd Afon, Tafolwern, Llanbrynmair, was fined more than £2,500 early in 2024 for flouting avian influenza rules and being 'threatening and verbally abusive' to council staff who visited his property to try and enforce them. Meikle, who was sentenced in his absence previously, was present at court on Tuesday, July 15, where he pleaded guilty to all six charges against him. These included: failing to complete the tuberculosis testing of his herd by October 22, 2023; failing to provide records of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs at his property; intentionally obstructing an authorised person; and failing to provide documents to that person. The offences occurred between October 30 and December 16 last year. Reshmi Mukherjee, prosecuting the case on behalf of Powys County Council, said the case had been brought against Meikle over his conduct as a livestock keeper. 'He has shown a blatant disregard for the statutory regulations of keeping cows, sheep, goats and pigs,' said Ms Mukherjee. 'He failed to produce records and of particular concern is that the cattle were not registered with the British Cattle Movement Service. 'He had previously asserted his cattle had perished or been removed. He failed to respond or confirm the whereabouts of the cattle. 'Ear tags reported as deceased cattle have become reactivated. There has been no Bovine TB testing at the property since 2022.' Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get Unlimited access to the County Times website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our app She said that Meikle had recently began complying and testing had been carried out in April and June of this year. 'Data showed that all cattle are TB free, but this should have been completed in 2023,' added Ms Mukherjee. 'It was not an oversight, he had been trying to mislead authorities. 'He was served with an inspection notice in October last year but on October 30 he was not present. He'd locked all the gates, barring lawful access to his land. 'On December 16, police and animal health officers attended, he was present but refused them entry. He declined to produce any records.' She played video footage in court of Meikle's interaction with police officers and the animal health inspectors. Speaking in his own defence, Meikle apologised for his 'inappropriate' behaviour. 'I've never traded in animals, we slaughter them and eat them ourselves. They never leave the farm,' he said. 'I'm fully compliant now and I sincerely regret my actions. I fully accept responsibility. 'To explain, not excuse, I was under the mistaken impression that the full scope of the regulations did not apply to me. 'I have taken corrective steps, complied and undergone testing on my cattle. I am now keeping thorough records. 'I apologise for my intention to obstruct, my action at the time was inappropriate and I regret it. I have learnt from the experience.' Geraint Evans, chair of the bench, told Meikle: 'Legislation is there to protect local farmers, as well as the rest of Wales and the public. 'We are pleased to hear you have acknowledged your responsibility.' Meikle was fined £288 for each of the four records offences, plus £480 for each obstruction offence. He must pay £500 costs and an £844 surcharge – making a total of £3,456.
