Tushar Sharma, a 23-year-old Indian, was arrested earlier this month by the New York State Police after an investigation into a $200,000 fraud led the police to Sharma, who was living in California. Police said the investigation began after a victim reported receiving a phone call from an individual who claimed to be an official from teh Department of Homeland Security. The caller told the victim that there was a warrant for the victim’s arrest related to money laundering and narcotics trafficking. The victim was told that he needed to withdraw cash and drop it at the designated location in the Bainbridge area in New York State. The victim was asked to maintain secrecy and he handed over large sums of cash on two separate occasions. On the third occasion, he was asked to gove $100,000 to an individual who claimed to be a law enforcement officer. After the victim handed over the cash, the NY State troopers took the suspect into custody, the money was recovered, and the individual was identified as Tushar Sharma. Sharma, charged with grand larceny, scheme to defraud, and conspiracy, was released on his own recognizance, ordered to remain in New York State, and is scheduled to appear at Bainbridge Town Court on April 20, 2026.Citing the incident, the New York State Police reminded the public that law enforcement agencies will never contact individuals by phone demanding money or threatening arrest. The troopers released the photo of Sharma because they believe there might be other victims of this scam. The NY troopers also alerted that if anyone received such calls demanding money to escape arrest, they should hang up immediately, they should not provide any information and should not send any money, and should contact the local police department.
