The Adams County Prosecutor’s office has issued the official charges against Lalit and Amit Kumar in connection with the scam involving a resident from Monroe. This incident has generated significant attention within the community.
Two individuals from Indianapolis are facing charges for attempted fraud and fraud. The charges include attempted fraud, which is classified as a Level 5 Felony, and fraud, classified as a Level 6 Felony.
Decatur PD officer Corey Hamm provided testimony and a probable cause affidavit that revealed several key details about the scam.
The Decatur PD received a tip from a representative of a local bank, who reported that one of their customers had been potentially defrauded of $35,000.
A couple from Monroe withdrew the money and delivered it to a person at the America’s Best Value Inn in Decatur.
The scammers made another call to the victim the day after they received the initial payment of $35,000, demanding an additional $47,000.
According to the report, a hotel representative confirmed witnessing the transaction in the parking lot. The police reviewed the video footage to verify the account.
The police departments collaborated with the couple to apprehend the suspects. According to the report, law enforcement anticipated that the second transaction would occur in a similar fashion to the first, and thus engaged in a covert operation alongside the Monroe couple.
On Tuesday evening, the accused informed the victims that they were nearing the Monroe residence and instructed them to bring the money outside. As one of the victims entered the house, where the officer was present, she immediately alerted the officer about the presence of the accused across the street. In response, the officer swiftly left the house wearing his police gear, with his badge clearly visible.
The scammers tried to escape, with one of them quickly getting into the passenger seat of a waiting car. The police swiftly surrounded the vehicles, brandishing their firearms, and successfully apprehended both individuals.
Both men reportedly hold Indian passports and entered Canada using student visas before crossing into the United States.
The FBI has been in contact with local and state police, notifying them that the suspects’ behavior aligns with that of several prominent international criminal organizations that are well-funded and highly organized.
