Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Wednesday issued a wanted notice for Kalpeshkumar Rasikbhai Patel, an Indian national accused of participating in an alleged nationwide fraud scheme that authorities say targeted multiple victims across the United States.
The notice said Patel is also known by several aliases, including Kenny Patel, Mecco, Kalpeshkumar R. Patel, and Kalpesh Patel.
The FBI said he is wanted for his alleged participation in a scheme that operated between 2017 and 2021. Investigators said many victims were contacted by telephone and falsely told their personal information or identities were linked to criminal activity.
Victims were then persuaded to send large sums of money, usually in cash or prepaid debit cards, to addresses across the United States, according to the FBI.
Authorities said Patel was charged with mail and wire fraud conspiracy, and a federal arrest warrant was issued on June 22, 2023, by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky in London, Kentucky.
The bureau describes Patel as born on May 17, 1991, in India. He is listed as 5 feet 9 inches tall, about 185 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. The FBI also lists his prior occupations as fuel station attendant, cashier, and store worker.
The FBI said Patel is believed to be residing in or traveling between Illinois and Pennsylvania.
The FBI is urging anyone with information to contact their local FBI office or the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
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