A man from Orlando, Florida, named Nasir Hussain, also known as “Sonu,” has been found guilty of a serious crime called wire fraud conspiracy. This verdict was announced on November 1, 2024, by the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont after a four-day jury trial. The trial took place in a U.S. District Court located in Rutland, Vermont. Judge Joseph N. Laplante presided over the case and has ordered that Hussain stay in jail until his sentencing, which is yet to be scheduled. Since his arrest in July 2023, Hussain has been held without the option of bail, meaning he cannot be released from jail while awaiting his sentence.
How Hussain’s Fraud Scheme Worked
The evidence presented during the trial revealed how Hussain ran a complicated fraud scheme that targeted many innocent people across the United States. He recruited several accomplices to help him open bank accounts using fake information. These bank accounts were not used for legal purposes. Instead, they were designed to funnel money taken from victims who lived in Vermont, California, and other states.
The scheme began when victims received phone calls or emails that seemed to come from well-known retail companies. These messages falsely claimed that there were unusual charges on the victims’ accounts. The victims were scared and worried, believing they might have been charged for something they didn’t purchase. To fix this issue, they were instructed to call a specific number and were eventually persuaded to download software that allowed the caller to see the victim’s computer screen.
However, this software did not just let the caller view the screen; it actually allowed them to take control of the victim’s computer. Once they had access, the callers pretended to cancel a service and promised to provide a refund. In reality, they were tricking the victims into thinking they were getting their money back.
Rhonda Rochelle Canidate Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Money Laundering in Employer Embezzlement
The fraudsters often made it look like they refunded too much money to the victims. They would move money around in the victim’s accounts to create the illusion of an over-refund. When the victims attempted to return what they believed was extra money, they were actually sending their own money to the scammers. The callers directed the victims to send this money to the bank accounts that Hussain and his accomplices had opened. From there, Hussain and his team transferred the stolen funds to various individuals in India.
The Consequences of the Conviction
After the jury found Hussain guilty, he could face serious consequences. The maximum penalty for his crime is 20 years in prison. In addition to the wire fraud conspiracy charges, Hussain has a separate case still pending against him. He is accused of making false statements while trying to apply for permanent residency in the United States. If he is convicted in that case, he could face an additional 10 years in prison.
During the trial, the U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized how dangerous and harmful fraud schemes like the one run by Hussain can be. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest stated that these types of fraud schemes are complicated and often target vulnerable victims. He highlighted the need for both community members and law enforcement to stay alert to such scams. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with other partners, aims to hold people accountable for cybercrimes like Hussain’s.
Craig Tremaroli, who is the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albany Field Office, also spoke about the case. He described Hussain as a scam artist involved in a sophisticated network that took advantage of innocent victims. Tremaroli assured the public that the FBI will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to find and stop individuals or organizations that use technology to commit fraud against citizens.
Legal Representation and Trial Details
The trial was managed by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eugenia P. Cowles and Colin Owyang, who represented the government. Hussain had his defense provided by Kevin Henry, an attorney from the law firm Primmer, Piper, Eggleston & Cramer, PC.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of being cautious and aware of scams that can occur through phone calls or emails. People need to be vigilant and protect their personal information from those who might try to take advantage of them.
