Bollywood-style glamour, millions in fraud: Indian-origin couple arrested in Texas for real estate scam

Sidhartha 'Sammy' Mukherjee and his wife Sunita Mukherjee (Image Source: X/@karma2moksha)

In a stunning case that blends glitz with alleged deception, a high-profile Indian-origin couple from North Texas -- Sidhartha “Sammy” Mukherjee and his wife Sunita -- has been arrested for orchestrating what authorities describe as a multimillion-dollar real estate fraud.

Known in Dallas-Fort Worth's Indian-American community for their glamorous lifestyle, extravagant public appearances, and Bollywood-style dance performances at charity galas, the Mukherjees are now at the centre of a deepening criminal investigation.

A lavish facade

The couple’s carefully curated image -- that of successful entrepreneurs and philanthropists -- helped them earn the trust of over 100 unsuspecting investors. But prosecutors say this lifestyle was a front for an elaborate scheme that siphoned at least $4 million (around Rs 33 crore) from victims who believed they were investing in profitable real estate ventures.

“They will make you believe that they are very successful businesspeople. But they will take every single penny you have,” said Terry Parvaga, one of the alleged victims.

The anatomy of the fraud

CBS News reports that the Mukherjees allegedly lured investors with promises of high returns from real estate projects, which did not exist. One victim, Seshu Madabhushi, admitted, “I should have asked more questions, but I never imagined the level of deceit.” Suspicions arose when dividend checks began bouncing, triggering concern among investors.

At first, some local police departments dismissed complaints as civil disputes. But the case took a turn in 2024 when a couple approached Euless Police Detective Brian Brennan with claims they had lost $325,000. Brennan, a seasoned white-collar crime investigator, launched an inquiry that soon uncovered a wider pattern of fraud.

The scam unravels

Investigators discovered the Mukherjees had allegedly used fake invoices, forged remodelling contracts, and counterfeit documents, including fake email trails and receipts, to convince investors they were working on projects with the Dallas Housing Authority (DHA). But when Brennan contacted the DHA, officials confirmed that no such projects existed.

This discovery was only the beginning. Forensic accountants brought in to assist with the case found that losses could exceed $4 million, affecting at least 20 confirmed victims and more than 100 potential ones. The FBI is now involved, and the case continues to widen.

Detective Brennan told CBS News that Sammy Mukherjee may be “probably the most prolific fraudster” he had seen in his 23-year career. “Tentacles going in all different directions,” he said of the operation.

Beyond real estate: Allegations of loan and elder fraud

The couple's alleged fraudulent activities didn’t stop at real estate. Authorities say they also created a fake company with non-existent employees to obtain a federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. Investigators uncovered false payroll forms and misrepresented uses of the funds.

In an even more disturbing twist, the Mukherjees are accused of scamming elderly individuals by threatening them with arrest and pretending to be law enforcement agents, coercing them into transferring money under false pretenses.

What’s next for the Mukherjees?

Sammy and Sunita Mukherjee now face charges including first-degree felony theft --a serious offense that carries a sentence of five to 99 years in prison if convicted. Sammy was released on a $500,000 bond but was immediately taken into custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and is being held in a detention facility near Fort Worth.

Authorities have flagged concerns about their immigration status. The couple reportedly came to the United States seeking asylum. Moreover, records show that Sammy Mukherjee is wanted for fraud in Mumbai, India.

Despite the mounting evidence, Sammy Mukherjee maintains his innocence. In an earlier statement to CBS News, he denied the allegations, claiming, “It’s all a coordinated effort to defame me... People are jealous.”

As the investigation unfolds and more victims come forward, prosecutors say this case could be just the tip of the iceberg.