In October 2024, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Regional Communications Center received information from an elderly citizen who stated they had been a victim of a scamming phone call. The victim said the scammer claimed to be a “government agent” and made multiple threats to the victim.
Consequently, the victim sent money via a cryptocurrency ATM and purchased gold, which was given to the suspects in person.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division Financial Crimes Unit initiated an investigation into the incident and, through cellphone tower record tracing, was able to identify and locate two suspects.
The suspects were identified as 24-year-old Mahammadilham Vahora and 24-year-old Hajiali Vahora, both Indian nationals admitted to the USA on student visas and attending East-West University in Chicago, Illinois.
Both suspects were booked into the El Paso County Jail in April 2025 and are the subjects of a continued investigation involving victims across the United States.
Both Hajiali and Mahammadilham Vahora are charged with:
-Crimes to At-Risk Persons- Robbery
-Money Laundering- Illegal Investments
-Crimes to At-Risk Persons- Theft
“Shame on anyone who defrauds our elderly citizens,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “I am incredibly proud of my Financial Crimes Unit, as they continuously educate this vulnerable population regarding the risks of scammers and then hold accountable the low-life criminals who prey on their limited resources.
“Scammers are around every corner, and it is crucial for families and friends to be talking to their elderly loved ones about the signs of a scam phone call or email. I encourage the citizens of the Pikes Peak region to connect with those who are vulnerable and remind them to NEVER give currency to anyone claiming to be a government agency while posing threats!”
A recent increase in phone scamming is evident in the Pikes Peak region and surrounding jurisdictions. Scammers often pose as government agents, bank fraud investigators, or IT specialists, claiming the victim must cooperate with an investigation or their assets must be protected. Victims have been instructed to deposit money at crypto ATMs, withdraw large amounts of cash from their accounts, and often are instructed to convert their money to gold at local gold distributors. The victim is then tricked into giving their cash or gold to government agents who meet with them in person.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office urges citizens to be aware of ongoing schemes such as this and to NEVER give crypto, cash, or gold to someone claiming to be involved in a bank, IT, or government investigation.
The government will NEVER ask you to send crypto, cash, or gold.
If you have been involved in a recent scam like this, please report it to your local law enforcement.
