Indian-Based Scam Operation in Montana Targeting Elderly Gets Shut Down

I'm not sure if this is allowed to be said, but for the sake of what we're going to talk about, let's just say it:

"There is a special place in Hell for those who steal from the elderly."

Thankfully, we have law enforcement to keep people who would do such a thing off our streets.

The U.S. Attorney's Office Shut Down A Major Montana Scam Operation

In a statement shared on Thursday (2/26), the United States Attorney's Office - District of Montana shared a man responsible for a major scheming operation based out of India that was targeting elderly Montanans, was sentenced today.

"A man originally from India who stole over $1.7 million from the elderly was sentenced today to 72 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release," U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said in the press release.

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"Zabi Ullah Mohammed, 29, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud after trial in October 2025."

Mohammed allegedly acted as a "courier" for an India-based scheme with the goal of stealing from the elderly. Victims were allegedly told to "believe it was necessary to withdraw money and other assets from various financial institutions and provide it to a 'federal agent' purportedly for 'safekeeping" according to the U.S. Attorney's office.

Collectively, victims reportedly lost around $3.9 million with Mohammed in possession of around $1.7 million in gold and cash.

A Montana Victim Was Scammed Out of Nearly $1 Million

The capture of Mohammed was something straight out of Hollywood (pre-AI of course).

According to the press release, a victim in Missoula was defrauded of around $900,000 which resulted in authorities setting up a sting operation to catch Mohammed.

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A meeting was arranged for Mohammed to meet the victim to pick up a package in Missoula with a secret tracking device stuffed inside. Once Mohammed was in his vehicle, he opened it up and found the tracker, quickly tossing it out his window before fleeing.

Law enforcement eventually caught up with and captured Mohammed. Out of desperation, Mohammed tried to play victim and say he was a part of the scam, which was obviously false.

As previously mentioned, Mohammed will face up to six years in federal prison which will be followed by three years of supervised release.