NEWARK, NJ – Arushobike Mitra, 29, and Garbita Mitra, 25, both Indian nationals, were each sentenced to 41 months in prison today for their involvement in a robocall scam that defrauded U.S. residents of over $1.2 million, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. Both had previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The sentencing was carried out by U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in Newark federal court. U.S. Attorney Sellinger emphasized the need to protect vulnerable populations, stating, “Those who engage in this kind of elder fraud scheme can expect to face justice.”
Court documents reveal that India-based call centers engaged in a robocall campaign targeting U.S. residents, particularly the elderly. After initial contact was made through automated calls, other members of the conspiracy would employ various schemes to trick or coerce victims into sending money. The methods ranged from impersonating government officials to falsely claiming to have added money to the victim’s bank account.
The Mitras were part of the network that received these funds, often through physical shipments or wire transfers. The money was obtained through deceptive means, such as impersonating officials from the Social Security Administration or law enforcement agencies like the FBI or DEA. Some victims were tricked into providing remote access to their personal computers, from where money would be moved between the victims’ own accounts to give the illusion of an “inadvertent” deposit. The victims were then told to “return” this money, which would end up with the Mitras or other members of the conspiracy.