A significant figure in a gold theft operation targeting elderly residents in Tarrant County was apprehended in New York while attempting to escape the country. This scheme has led to over 40 indictments against individuals involved.
The suspect, 35-year-old Muzamid Ahmed, was taken into custody at JFK International Airport as he tried to leave the United States. He faces multiple charges, including organized crime, theft, financial exploitation of the elderly, and money laundering.
Authorities have linked Ahmed to an extensive criminal operation that exploited more than 200 victims in Tarrant County and beyond. Operating primarily from New Jersey, he allegedly established shell companies to launder the money obtained from the elderly.
In total, over 40 individuals have been indicted in connection with this operation. Earlier this year, 18 indictments were issued in April, with 12 of those suspects still detained in Tarrant County Jail.
On the same day as Ahmed’s arrest, two additional suspects were detained in Chicago and Newark while attempting to flee to Canada.
The scam involved overseas call centers, mainly based in India, contacting senior citizens under the pretense that their bank accounts were at risk. Victims were instructed to withdraw their funds and invest in gold or cryptocurrency. Fraudsters impersonating federal agents would then take the gold to a Florida refinery, where it was melted down and converted into jewelry, while the cash was used to buy cryptocurrency that was sent abroad.
Authorities estimate that approximately $250 million has been stolen from elderly individuals, with more than $130 million in gold seized related to the scheme. One victim reportedly lost an astounding $2 million.
Tarrant County District Attorney Phil Sorrells emphasized the commitment to pursuing justice for the victims, stating, “If you prey on Tarrant County seniors, we are coming for you. If you run, we will find you. You will face justice in Tarrant County.”
Muzamid Ahmed has been booked into the Tarrant County Jail, and efforts are underway to extradite the two suspects arrested recently to face charges in Tarrant County.
