Indian man arrested in New York state for $200,000 fraud; calling people and telling them ‘you’re wanted’

Tushar Sharma, a 23-year-old Indian man, was arrested in New York state for committing a $200,000 fraud by calling individuals and telling them they would be arrested if they did not pay.

Earlier this month, Tushar Sharma, a 23-year-old Indian, was arrested by New York State Police after an investigation into a $200,000 fraud led to Sharma, who lives in California. Police said the investigation began after a victim reported receiving a call from someone claiming to be a Department of Homeland Security official. The caller told the victim there were warrants for his arrest related to money laundering and drug trafficking. The victim was told that he needed to withdraw the cash and drop it off at a designated location in the Bainbridge, New York, area. The victim was asked to keep it secret and twice handed over large sums of cash. On a third occasion, he was asked to provide $100,000 to an individual claiming to be a law enforcement officer. After the victim handed over the cash, New York State Police took the suspect, identified as Tushar Sharma, into custody and the money was recovered. Sharma, who was charged with grand larceny, conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy, was released on his own recognizance and ordered to remain in the state and is scheduled to appear in Bainbridge Town Court on April 20, 2026.New York State Police cited this incident to remind the public that law enforcement agencies will never contact individuals by phone to demand money or threaten arrest. Police released Sharma’s photo because they believe there may be other victims of the scam. The New York Police also reminded that if anyone receives such a call asking for money to evade arrest, they should hang up immediately, should not provide any information, should not send money, and should contact the local police department.