An elderly Kentucky woman was on the verge of losing $235,000 in gold after she was convinced that she had become implicated in an international money laundering investigation, according to authorities.
The scheme involved people posing as representatives of WesBanco and Microsoft Support. Investigators say the woman was frightened into believing the claims were legitimate and was instructed to purchase gold bars worth $235,000.
Detectives in Franklin and Spencer counties learned what was happening before the gold was lost and coordinated an undercover operation. The investigation led to the September 3 arrest of Rehankumar D. Mekvan.
FOX 56 reported that Mekvan faces charges including engaging in organized crime, impersonating a peace officer and attempted theft by deception.
The Victim Was Told She Was Part of a Money Laundering Case
According to Mekvan’s arrest citation, he posed as representatives of WesBanco and Microsoft Support and contacted the woman, falsely convincing her that she had become implicated in an international money laundering scheme.
Investigators say she was then instructed to purchase $235,000 worth of gold bars. The accusation turned what appeared to involve trusted companies into an urgent financial threat involving a supposed criminal investigation.
WKYT reported that law enforcement intervened before the Franklin County resident lost the $235,000.
Detectives Set Up an Undercover Operation
Detectives from the Franklin County and Spencer County sheriff’s offices coordinated an undercover operation after learning about the planned gold transaction.
The operation culminated in Mekvan’s arrest on September 3 before the victim surrendered the $235,000 in gold. The available reporting does not publicly detail every step investigators used to arrange the operation or identify every person they believe may have participated.
Authorities have also not released a full account showing which communications or representations they attribute personally to Mekvan beyond the allegations described in the arrest citation.
Mekvan Faces Organized Crime and Attempted Theft Charges
Mekvan is charged with engaging in organized crime, impersonating a peace officer and attempted theft by deception. He also faces charges of obscuring the identity of a machine, tampering with physical evidence and failure to wear a seat belt.
The charges are accusations and have not been proven in court. Mekvan is presumed innocent unless convicted.
What to Do if Someone Tells You to Buy Gold to Protect Your Money
The Federal Trade Commission says a request to buy gold bars and hand them to another person to protect money is a scam. Real government officials will not tell someone to withdraw savings, buy gold or move money into a supposedly secure account.
The FTC also warns about scams that begin with a supposed computer or bank problem and then escalate into claims that the victim’s identity or accounts are connected to crimes such as money laundering. A second person may then pose as law enforcement or another government official and claim that moving the money will protect it.
Someone who receives that kind of call should stop communicating before buying gold, withdrawing cash or transferring money. The bank, technology company or law enforcement agency should be contacted independently using a number from its official website or another trusted source rather than contact information supplied by the caller.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office also says deputies will not call and demand money over missed court dates, jury duty or threats of arrest. Anyone in Franklin County who suspects a scam can contact the sheriff’s office directly at 502-875-8740.