Bollywood Couple Detained in Texas for $4 Million Real Estate Scam
A Bollywood singer and her husband have been detained in Texas for their alleged involvement in a $4 million real estate fraud. The couple is accused of tricking investors into fake property projects and targeting senior citizens with threats.
Real Estate FraudBollywoodTexasIceFraudstersReal Estate MumbaiJul 21, 2025
The couple was arrested in June, and while Sunita was released on bail, Sammy was taken into custody by ICE and is currently being held at a detention facility. The bail amounts were set at $5 lakh (approximately Rs 4.32 crore).
Authorities allege that the couple carried out a real estate scam, tricking investors into putting money into fake property projects. The funds were reportedly diverted to projects that never existed. The investigation began in 2024 when a couple approached ICE, claiming they had lost $320,000 (approximately Rs 28.04 million) in what appeared to be a real estate fraud. Initially, officials believed it was a “small, civil dispute,” but it later turned out to be part of a “larger” scam. Officials say that they are the “most prolific fraudsters” they have ever come across.
Detective Brian Brennan of the Euless Police Department said investigators uncovered forged invoices and fake contracts. Some of these documents falsely claimed approval from the Dallas Housing Authority for housing developments. Until now, as per a report by the Daily Mail, $4 million (approximately Rs 345 crore) has been identified in confirmed losses, and at least 20 victims have so far come forward. Officials believe more than 100 people were impacted as part of the elaborate real estate scam.
Not just this, the authorities also found out that they even applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan by submitting forged documents during the pandemic. The document listed employees who never existed, along with fake records of the company. When Sammy was shown the list of names on the document by the officials, he denied recognizing any of them.
The couple targeted senior citizens by sending threatening emails and warning them of arrest if they did not pay the quoted amount immediately. This tactic was reportedly used to extract large sums of money from vulnerable individuals. The Bollywood couple, who have committed several frauds, hosted the Indian Traditions & Cultural Society of North America in 2024, a nonprofit organization registered at their Plano home to further legitimize their activities.
If convicted, they can face a jail term from five to 99 years. They had reportedly moved to the US from India seeking asylum. However, the authorities say their current immigration status is not clear. According to a report by CBS News, the couple also has outstanding fraud warrants in Mumbai.
The officials also said that there is a very grim chance of recovering money lost in the scam, as the couple must have spent it on buying cars, a house, and may even have moved them offshore or into crypto accounts. The couple filed for bankruptcy in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the alleged fraud amount in the real estate scam?
The alleged fraud amount in the real estate scam is $4 million (approximately Rs 345 crore).
Who are the main suspects in the real estate fraud case?
The main suspects in the real estate fraud case are Sidhartha ‘Sammy’ Mukherjee and his wife Sunita.
What was the couple's status after their initial arrest?
After their initial arrest in June, Sunita was released on bail, while Sammy was taken into custody by ICE and is currently being held at a detention facility.
How did the couple target senior citizens?
The couple targeted senior citizens by sending threatening emails and warning them of arrest if they did not pay the quoted amount immediately.
What is the potential jail term if the couple is convicted?
If convicted, the couple can face a jail term from five to 99 years.
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