A 23-year-old Indian national, Tushar Sharma, has been arrested by New York State Police in connection with a $200,000 fraud case involving impersonation of government officials.
According to police, the investigation began after a victim reported receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be an officer from the US Department of Homeland Security. The caller falsely informed the victim that a warrant had been issued against them in connection with money laundering and narcotics trafficking.
The victim was then instructed to withdraw large amounts of cash and deliver it to designated locations in the Bainbridge area of New York, while maintaining strict secrecy. The victim complied and handed over money on two separate occasions.
On a third attempt, the caller demanded $100,000 more, to be handed to a person posing as a law enforcement officer. However, after the exchange, state troopers intervened, arrested the suspect, and recovered the cash. The individual was identified as Tushar Sharma, who had been residing in California.
Sharma has been charged with grand larceny, scheme to defraud, and conspiracy. He has been released on his own recognisance, ordered to remain in New York State, and is scheduled to appear in Bainbridge Town Court on April 20, 2026.
Following the incident, New York State Police issued a public advisory, warning that law enforcement agencies never demand money or threaten arrest over phone calls. Authorities have also released Sharma’s photograph, suspecting there may be additional victims.
Residents are advised to immediately hang up on such calls, avoid sharing personal information, and report the incident to local law enforcement.
