A federal jury in Gainesville has found 22-year-old Atharva Shailesh Sathawane of India guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida.
According to trial testimony and court records, Sathawane served as a courier in an international scheme that defrauded elderly victims of roughly eight million dollars. Scammers convinced victims to liquidate retirement accounts and convert their savings into cash or gold. While unlawfully in the United States, Sathawane traveled to homes across multiple states to collect the money and precious metals, then delivered the assets to unidentified associates, some located in India.
The scheme unraveled after one victim became suspicious and alerted local authorities. Investigators coordinated a controlled operation, and Sathawane was arrested when he arrived at the victim’s Gainesville home to pick up additional gold. A search of his phone later revealed his involvement in more than 30 similar transactions tied to the broader fraud operation. Several victims lost their entire life savings.
“This successful prosecution was made possible by the outstanding investigative work of our local and federal partners,” Heekin said. “This criminal alien will be held accountable for his role in exploiting vulnerable, elderly victims.”
The investigation involved the Gainesville Police Department, the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Hapner is prosecuting the case.
Sathawane faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count. Sentencing is set for December 16, 2025, before Chief U.S. District Judge Allen C. Winsor.
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