Indian Tushar Sharma, 23, was arrested by New York State Police earlier this month after a $200,000 fraud investigation led police to Sharma, who was living in California. Police said the investigation began when a victim reported receiving a call from a man claiming to be a Department of Homeland Security officer. The caller told the victim that there was a warrant for his arrest for money laundering and drug trafficking. The victim was told he needed to withdraw cash and drop it off at a designated location in the Bainbridge area of ​​New York State. The victim was asked to maintain confidentiality and handed over large sums of money on two separate occasions. On the third occasion, he was asked to give $100,000 to a man who claimed to be a law enforcement officer. After the victim handed over the cash, NY State troopers took the suspect into custody, the money was recovered and the man was identified as Tushar Sharma. Sharma was charged with grand theft, fraudulent scheme and conspiracy, was released on his personal recognizance, ordered to remain in New York State, and is scheduled to appear in 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 over the phone to demand money or threaten arrest. Deputies released Sharma’s photo because they believe there may be other victims of this scam. NY troopers also cautioned that if anyone receives such a call demanding money to avoid arrest, they should immediately hang up, not give them any information and not send any money, and contact the local police department.
