Gujarat man on FBI most wanted list; accused of running ‘digital arrest’ scam targeting US elderly: 'Mecco, Kenny, Kenny Patel'

AHMEDABAD: A 34-year-old man from North Gujarat has been placed on the most wanted list of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for his alleged role in a multi-million-dollar wire fraud that preyed largely on elderly victims across the United States.

Identified as Kalpesh Patel, also known by the aliases ‘Mecco', ‘Kenny' and ‘Kenny Patel', the fugitive has been accused of masterminding what investigators describe as a nationwide "digital arrest" scam between 2017 and 2021. Sources privy to the development said Patel hails from North Gujarat and allegedly entered the US through an illegal route in 2015 before embedding himself in the fraud ecosystem.

"He masterminded hundreds of cheating cases in which mainly elderly people were targeted. He threatened senior citizens with fabricated legal actions and coerced them into transferring their life savings through money mules," said a source familiar with the probe.

According to an official FBI statement, Patel is wanted for mail and wire fraud conspiracy. A federal arrest warrant was issued against him on June 22, 2023, by the US District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky in London, Kentucky. He is believed to be residing in or travelling between Illinois and Pennsylvania and has been declared a fugitive.

"Born on May 17, 1991, Patel is described as 5'9" tall, weighing approximately 185 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He reportedly worked as a fuel station attendant, cashier and store worker while allegedly coordinating the fraud network," an FBI official said.

Investigators said Patel and his aides contacted victims over the phone and deceived them into believing their identities were linked to criminal activities, forcing them to send cash and prepaid debit cards to addresses across the US.

This is not the first time a Gujarati has figured on the FBI's most wanted list.

In April 2024, the agency announced a $250,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Bhadresh Chetan Patel, who is accused of killing his wife at a doughnut shop in Hanover, Maryland, in 2015.

The FBI has urged anyone with information about Kalpesh Patel's whereabouts to contact their local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, warning that the suspect should be considered dangerous and that any information about his movements is significant.