Indian-Origin Couple’s Arrest in Texas Fraud Case

A couple of Indian origin, Sidhartha “Sammy” Mukherjee and his wife Sunita, have been arrested in North Texas for their alleged involvement in a $4 million real estate fraud. Known for their glamorous public persona and Bollywood-style performances, the couple is accused of deceiving over 100 investors by promising returns on non-existent real estate projects. Authorities revealed that the couple’s lavish lifestyle was a facade to gain trust and execute their fraudulent schemes.

Details of the Alleged Fraud

Victims were reportedly lured into investing with promises of high returns, only to find dividend checks bouncing. One victim, Seshu Madabhushi, expressed regret for not being more cautious. Another victim, Terry Parvaga, warned others about the couple’s deceptive tactics. Initially dismissed as civil disputes by several police departments, the case gained traction when Detective Brian Brennan took it up after a couple reported losing $325,000.

Uncovering the Scam

The Mukherjees allegedly used fake remodeling contracts and invoices from the Dallas Housing Authority to convince investors of lucrative projects. Detective Brennan’s investigation revealed that these projects were non-existent. The couple is accused of using forged documents to deceive investors, with losses estimated to exceed $4 million. The FBI is now involved in the expanded investigation.

Beyond Real Estate: Additional Allegations

The Mukherjees’ alleged deception extended beyond real estate. They are accused of creating a fake company to obtain a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan using false payroll forms. Additionally, they allegedly scammed elderly individuals by threatening them with arrest unless they sent money.

Legal Consequences and Future Proceedings

Facing charges including first-degree felony theft, Sammy and Sunita Mukherjee could face 5 to 99 years in prison if convicted. Sammy Mukherjee is currently held at a detention facility near Fort Worth after posting a $500,000 bond. The couple’s immigration status remains unclear, with outstanding fraud warrants for Sammy Mukherjee in Mumbai. Despite denying allegations and claiming defamation efforts against him, the legal proceedings continue.