Marion, IN – Detectives in Grant County say an alleged multi-state scam that cost an elderly Sweetser man more than $231,000 is advancing in court after the suspect waived extradition this week. The victim, 68, reported the incident on June 7 after realizing he had been tricked into handing over large amounts of gold and cryptocurrency.
According to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, scammers falsely posed as FBI agents and a Sweetser Police officer, telling the man his identity had been compromised and that criminal charges were being filed in his name. Investigators say the fraudsters convinced the victim that he needed to “protect his assets” by immediately converting his savings into $201,000 in gold bars and more than $30,000 in cryptocurrency.
Detectives said a “courier” arrived at the victim’s home on June 5 to pick up the gold, completing the scam.
According to detectives, the courier was identified as Tirth A. Savani (22), an international student from India living in San Bernardino, California. The Grant County Prosecutor’s Office filed formal charges on October 29, including fraud, money laundering, theft, and identity deception. A warrant was issued by Grant County Circuit Court.
Investigators traveled to California, and—with help from the San Bernardino Police Department—located Savani, who was arrested on December 4. According to officials, he waived extradition during a December 1 hearing, allowing deputies to transport him back to Indiana this week. He is currently held at the Grant County Security Complex.
Sheriff Del Garcia said the investigation remains active as detectives work to identify additional individuals who may be involved in the scheme.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Grant County Sheriff’s Office at (765) 668-8168 or Crime Stoppers at (765) 662-TIPS.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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