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Jury Convicts Atharva Shailesh Sathawane in $8 Million Elder Fraud Scheme

Indian man Sathawane convicted in Florida for $8M elder fraud scheme, faces 20 years.

byEditorial Staff

November 13, 2025, 10:34 AM

Close-up of aging hands using a modern computer keyboard and mouse on a wooden desk.

A close-up of a person's hands using a computer, often targeted in elder fraud schemes. By MDL.

Executive Summary

Atharva Shailesh Sathawane, a 22-year-old Indian national, was convicted by a federal jury in Gainesville, Florida, for his participation in an international scheme that defrauded elderly victims of approximately $8 million.

Sathawane was found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, having served as a courier collecting cash and gold directly from victims.

Sathawane faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment for each count, with sentencing scheduled for December 16, 2025.

Laws and Precedent

Atharva Shailesh Sathawane was convicted on federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. These federal offenses, prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, carry a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment for each count and address large-scale financial exploitation and the movement of illicit funds, particularly in cases involving vulnerable victims and international elements.

Atharva Shailesh Sathawane, a 22-year-old Indian national, was convicted by a federal jury in Gainesville, Florida, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, for his participation in an international scheme that defrauded elderly victims of approximately $8 million in cash and gold. Sathawane was found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, having served as a courier in the extensive elder fraud operation.

Details of the Fraud Scheme

Trial testimony and court documents revealed that the intricate fraud scheme targeted elderly individuals, convincing them to liquidate their retirement accounts to obtain cash or gold. Sathawane, while illegally present in the United States, was responsible for collecting these assets directly from the victims.

He would then deliver the collected cash and gold to unidentified individuals in various parking lots. Coordination for these transfers involved other conspirators, some of whom were located in India, Sathawane’s home country.

Apprehension and Evidence

The operation unraveled after an elderly victim grew suspicious and alerted local law enforcement. Police subsequently orchestrated a ruse in Gainesville, Florida, leading to Sathawane’s arrest when he arrived at the victim’s residence to collect more gold.

A subsequent search of Sathawane’s cellular phone provided critical evidence, confirming his deep involvement in the elder fraud scheme. The phone data indicated his participation in over 30 similar transactions across numerous states, highlighting the widespread nature of the criminal enterprise.

Impact and Prosecution

The scheme inflicted significant damage on its victims, with many American citizens losing their entire life savings or experiencing substantial financial hardship. U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin of the Northern District of Florida emphasized the commitment to holding those accountable for the financial exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

Sathawane now faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment for each count of conviction. The case was a collaborative investigative effort involving the Gainesville Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI). Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner is prosecuting the case.

Upcoming Sentencing

Sentencing for Atharva Shailesh Sathawane is scheduled for December 16, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The proceedings will take place at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.