# Student 'Money Mule' Charged in Multi-Million Dollar Elder Scam, Arrested Fleeing to Canada A **Fairleigh Dickinson University** student, **Jay Sunilbharthi Goswami**, 21, an Indian national legally in the U.S. on a student visa, has been charged for his alleged role as a money mule in a sophisticated overseas cyber scam. The scheme reportedly swindled millions from elderly victims through various deceptive tactics. ## The Anatomy of a Scam Prosecutors from the **Justice Department** detailed how Goswami was tasked with collecting cash and gold from victims, who had been manipulated into handing over their life savings. The scammers, believed to be based in India, impersonated law enforcement or government officials. They used scare tactics, telling victims their names were linked to drug cases or that their identities had been stolen, compelling them to empty bank accounts and purchase gold bars or gift cards. At least nine victims in New York and New Jersey, predominantly in their 70s and 80s, collectively lost $7,559,185 to the operation. ## Goswami's Alleged Role and Earnings **FBI** and **IRS** agents outlined Goswami's involvement in a criminal complaint. He allegedly received addresses and code words from the scam operators, directing him to collect the money or gold and transport it to another location for transfer to India. Goswami is accused of earning approximately $90,000 from the scheme. Initially detained in December 2025 (sic) and released, Goswami allegedly continued his involvement with the scammers. He was re-arrested on August 17 but released on pre-trial detention the same day. He then reportedly fled the country, driving across the Peace Bridge from Buffalo to Canada and booking a flight from Toronto to Doha. Canadian authorities apprehended him at his gate, and he is now awaiting extradition back to the U.S. ## Awareness and Concealment While Goswami initially claimed ignorance, stating he met one of the scammers at a funeral in India and was unaware of any illegal activity, the criminal complaint provides evidence to the contrary. Text messages, emails, and other documents reportedly demonstrate Goswami's full awareness. He even provided a local New Jersey lawyer's number to the scammer, known as “Black Tiger,” after another money mule was arrested. Prosecutors emphasize that money mules are crucial for these operations, as they conceal and disguise the movement of illicit funds, making tracing difficult for law enforcement. ## Broader Efforts Against Cyber Scams Both U.S. and Indian authorities are actively targeting scam centers that defraud individuals globally. Recently, Indian authorities raided 76 locations suspected of running tech support scams, following tips from companies like **Amazon** and **Microsoft**. In May, two American men pleaded guilty to aiding a tech-support scheme in India that defrauded U.S. citizens.