Daijiworld Media Network – Texas
Texas, Jul 21: A high-profile Indian-origin couple from North Texas, known for their glitzy public appearances and Bollywood-style charm, has been arrested in connection with a staggering $4 million (Rs 33 cr) real estate fraud.
Sidhartha “Sammy” Mukherjee and his wife Sunita, once popular figures in Plano's Indian-American community, now face first-degree felony theft charges after allegedly defrauding over 100 victims through fake property investment schemes. The couple is currently being held at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centre.
Investigators say the Mukherjees lured investors with promises of hefty returns from non-existent real estate deals. Victims were shown forged documents including remodeling contracts and fake invoices, purportedly from the Dallas Housing Authority. “The fraud unravelled when investors’ dividend cheques began bouncing,” reported CBS News.
The scam surfaced in 2024 after a couple who lost $325,000 approached the authorities. Euless Police detective Brian Brennan, who led the investigation with FBI assistance, described Sammy Mukherjee as “one of the most prolific fraudsters” he’s encountered in his 23-year career.
Beyond financial deception, the couple is also accused of using threats to extort money from elderly victims, sending them intimidating emails suggesting imminent arrest. Additionally, they allegedly filed fake documents to obtain federal pandemic relief under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), listing non-existent employees and salaries.
The Mukherjees reportedly maintained their lavish lifestyle and social media presence until just before their arrest, even filing for bankruptcy in 2024. Authorities are now probing whether the siphoned money was moved overseas or into crypto accounts.
Federal records indicate the couple came to the US from India seeking asylum, but their current immigration status remains unclear. The arrest affidavit also notes that Sidhartha Mukherjee has pending fraud warrants in Mumbai.
If convicted, the couple could face sentences ranging from five to 99 years in prison.