News Summary
A local couple, Sidhartha and Sunita Mukherjee, have been arrested for allegedly orchestrating a multimillion-dollar real estate fraud affecting over 100 victims in Plano, Texas. Accused of making false promises on imaginary investments, the couple is facing serious charges, including misuse of pandemic relief funds. Investigators are continuing to uncover details of their fraudulent activities, leaving the community in shock as they await justice for the victims.
Texas – Sidhartha “Sammy” Mukherjee and his wife Sunita Mukherjee have been arrested in connection with a multimillion-dollar real estate fraud affecting over 100 victims. The couple is accused of defrauding individuals out of at least $4 million (approximately ₹33 crore) by promoting fictitious investment projects, and they now face first-degree felony theft charges.
The Mukherjees, known social figures in the Indian-American community in Plano, Texas, were reportedly able to gain the trust of their victims through their charming demeanor and persuasive communication. They allegedly promised high returns on non-existent real estate deals, supported by fraudulent documents including fake remodeling contracts and invoices fabricated to appear as if they were issued by the Dallas Housing Authority. An investigation into the couple’s activities was launched in 2024 after a couple reported losing $325,000 in their scam.
Detective Brian Brennan of the Euless Police Department initiated the investigation, which soon garnered attention from the FBI. Preliminary findings indicated that Sammy Mukherjee exhibited a pattern of deception that was both extensive and sophisticated, leading investigators to verify the authenticity of the documents he presented. It was confirmed that the invoices attributed to the Dallas Housing Authority were completely falsified.
In total, about 20 victims have officially come forward to report their losses, but law enforcement estimates that the actual number of affected individuals could be much higher, potentially exceeding 100 victims. Many of these individuals were reportedly elderly, and the couple allegedly utilized various tactics to threaten them into complying with demands for immediate payments. Some claimed that they received emails warning of impending arrest unless further payments were made.
In addition to the real estate fraud, the Mukherjees are also under investigation for submitting false documentation to receive federal pandemic relief benefits under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). They are accused of creating fictional employee listings and falsifying payroll records to qualify for these funds, which were meant to assist struggling businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. During an FBI interrogation, Sammy Mukherjee claimed he did not recognize any names associated with the PPP loan documentation.
Despite their luxurious lifestyle, the couple’s fortunes took a downturn, and they filed for bankruptcy in 2024, just months before their arrest. Investigators are currently looking into whether the funds obtained through their fraudulent activities have been concealed in offshore accounts or converted into cryptocurrency, adding another layer to the ongoing investigation.
Legal repercussions for the Mukherjees could be severe; if convicted of the charges against them, they could face prison sentences ranging from five years to 99 years. Furthermore, it has come to light that Sidhartha Mukherjee has outstanding fraud warrants in Mumbai, further complicating their legal situation.
The arrests of Sidhartha and Sunita Mukherjee serve as a stark reminder of the potential for deception in investment opportunities, particularly within vulnerable communities. Authorities continue to urge individuals to perform due diligence when investing to safeguard against similar scams in the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Hindustan Times
- Wikipedia: Fraud
- CBS News
- Google Search: Real Estate Fraud Texas
- Local Profile
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Real Estate
- Times Now News
- Google News: Sammy Mukherjee Scam
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
