U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson | U.S. Department of Justice
A federal grand jury has charged Abdul Mohammed, 31, of Des Plaines, Illinois, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of wire fraud.
According to the indictment, Mohammed and other conspirators allegedly participated in a scheme targeting elderly victims. The conspirators posed as government agents and falsely claimed that the victims' financial information had been compromised. They instructed the victims to convert their savings and retirement accounts into cash or gold bars for "protection."
In one instance, an elderly victim received unsolicited communications from a person claiming to be "Agent Roy" of the FBI. "Agent Roy" informed the victim that his computer had been hacked and his personal information compromised. He also alleged that the victim was implicated in a drug crime. "Agent Roy" then instructed the victim to withdraw $80,000 from their retirement accounts and exchange it for gold bars, warning that failure to do so would result in the IRS freezing their assets. A member of the conspiracy met the victim in a Meijer parking lot in Westfield to collect the gold bars.
Despite delivering the gold, the victim was convinced their money remained at risk and needed to provide more funds. On December 8, 2023, an unknown conspirator sent an email with a document from “Officer Jason Roy,” bearing a purported seal from the Department of Justice. The document directed the victim to withdraw additional funds and deliver them to FBI agents as part of an operation. It warned that failure to comply or disclosing information would result in all accounts being frozen. A few weeks later, Abdul Mohammed attempted to collect another $45,000 in cash from the same parking lot.
“There is an outstanding warrant for the arrest of Abdul Mohammed, a resident of Des Plaines, Illinois, following a federal indictment alleging his involvement in a scheme to defraud elderly victims through false claims that federal law enforcement agencies were seeking to keep their money safe,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “We encourage Mr. Mohammed to contact the FBI immediately to arrange for his safe surrender to answer the charges against him. Mr. Mohammed or anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact the FBI at 317-595-4000 or FBI.gov/tips.”
The FBI is investigating this case. If convicted, Abdul Mohammed faces up to 60 years in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Eakman who is prosecuting this case.
An indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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