Blog

An Indian national has admitted to defrauding telephone providers and insurance companies of millions of dollars using stolen or fake identities. The 36-year-old Sandeep Bengera used the fake identities to submit fake claims to replace cellular devices and then resell those devices outside the United States, according to a press release issued by the New Jersey Attorney’s office.

Newark-based Sandeep has pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and conspiracy to commit interstate transfer of stolen property. The plea was made before US District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo, said the statement.

Sandeep Bengera also went with the names: Vishal Rawal, Vihaan Seth, and Sagar Sharma, according to the court document.

Between June 2013 and June 2019, Bengera engaged in a widespread scheme to defraud cellular phone providers and insurance companies via the US mail system and other third-party carriers, according to documents filed in the case.

Bengera, along with other conspirators, used stolen and fake identities to file fraudulent claims for lost, stolen, or damaged cell phones and other devices to obtain replacements.

Dhananjay Pretap Singh, a co-conspirator not charged in this indictment, resided in Delhi, and Parag Bhavsar, a co-conspirator not charged in this indictment, resided in Newark, Delaware, said the court deocument.

These cellular devices, valued at over $9 million, were then resold outside the United States.

The conspirators maintained a network of mailboxes and storage units across the US, including New Jersey, to receive and store the replacement devices before their resale.

The charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $2,50,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offence.

The charge of conspiracy to commit interstate transfer of stolen goods carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $2,50,000 fine, or twice the gain or loss from the offence.

The sentencing of Sandeep Bengera is scheduled for October 10, 2024.