San Angelo Elderly Scam Leads to Arrest in $51M Case

SAN ANGELO, TX — A suspect accused of targeting an elderly San Angelo resident in a sophisticated computer scam was arrested in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, the San Angelo Police Department said.

Police said the case began July 24 when the victim reported being deceived by individuals claiming to represent a government agency. The victim was led to believe his computer had been locked and was instructed to withdraw $900,000 from a local bank to purchase gold bars. Over four separate meetings in San Angelo, suspects collected the gold from the victim.

On July 31, Detective Russell with SAPD’s Criminal Investigations Division opened the investigation. Surveillance footage captured one suspect meeting the victim at a convenience store in southwest San Angelo. Investigators reviewed vehicle registration records and a driver’s license photo and identified the suspect as Muthukrishnan Palraj, who was in the United States on a work visa, police said.

A statewide bulletin was issued, and multiple agencies — including the Texas Department of Public Safety, Collin County Sheriff’s Office, Colleyville Police Department, Irving Police Department, the U.S. Department of State, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection — joined the investigation. Law enforcement in the Dallas–Fort Worth area quickly linked Palraj to additional scams in their jurisdictions, according to SAPD.

Detective Russell submitted a probable cause affidavit Aug. 6 for Financial Abuse of the Elderly over $150,000 (first-degree felony), and a warrant was issued. Palraj was arrested Aug. 11 in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.

Police said both state and federal cases are being pursued. Ongoing investigations across the Dallas–Fort Worth and East Texas regions have uncovered approximately $51 million in losses attributed to Palraj’s activities, according to SAPD. Upon completion of his trials and any resulting sentences, Palraj will face deportation, police said.

SAPD urged residents to remain vigilant against scams targeting vulnerable populations, particularly older adults, and encouraged anyone who believes they or a loved one may have been victimized to contact law enforcement.