FBI Seeks Indian National in Major Fraud Case

FBI Launches Manhunt for Kalpeshkumar Patel

On Wednesday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced its search for Kalpeshkumar Rasikbhai Patel, an Indian national accused of defrauding numerous individuals of substantial amounts of money from 2017 to 2021.

According to the FBI, Patel, who is also known as Kenny Patel, is believed to be either residing in or traveling between Illinois and Pennsylvania. His employment history includes roles as a fuel station attendant, cashier, and store worker.

The agency reported that Patel is wanted for allegedly orchestrating a nationwide fraud scheme that tricked multiple victims into sending large sums of money, primarily in cash and prepaid debit cards, to various addresses across the United States.

Kalpeshkumar Rasikbhai Patel, also known as Kenny Patel, is #wanted by the #FBI for his alleged participation in a nationwide scheme to defraud multiple victims into transmitting large sums of money, usually in the form of cash and prepaid debit cards, to addresses throughout the… pic.twitter.com/txx9YtRKaz

— FBI (@FBI) March 18, 2026

The FBI further revealed that many victims were contacted via phone calls and misled into thinking their personal information was associated with criminal activities.

Victims were persuaded to transfer funds, typically in cash or prepaid debit cards, to various locations throughout the United States, as stated by the agency.

An arrest warrant for Patel was issued on June 22, 2023, by the US District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky in London, following charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.

Patel is currently considered a fugitive, and the FBI has emphasized that any information regarding his location should be regarded as crucial and actionable.