Bollywood Couple Held in Texas Over $4M Real Estate Scam

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A Bollywood singer and her husband have been arrested in Texas over a massive real estate fraud that allegedly defrauded investors out of nearly $4 million. The couple, identified as Sidhartha “Sammy” Mukherjee and his wife Sunita, are being described by authorities as some of the most prolific fraudsters they have dealt with. The pair were taken into custody in June after a months-long investigation into fake property investments and forged documents.

According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the scam began to unravel when a couple came forward in 2024 claiming they had lost $320,000 in what they believed was a legitimate property investment. What initially seemed like a civil dispute turned into something far larger as more victims came forward, bringing the total confirmed losses to $4 million. Police say more than 100 people may have been affected by the couple’s actions.

Fake Projects

Detective Brian Brennan of the Euless Police Department said the pair used forged invoices, fake contracts, and documents claiming approval from the Dallas Housing Authority to convince victims their projects were real. These documents were used to solicit investments from individuals unaware that the properties did not exist. So far, at least 20 victims have been identified, but authorities believe that number could rise.

The couple was charged with first-degree felony theft. While both were granted bail set at $500,000, only Sunita was released. Sammy remains in ICE custody at a detention center. Investigators revealed the couple filed for bankruptcy last year, raising doubts about the recovery of the stolen funds, which they believe may have been spent on property, vehicles, or moved to offshore accounts and cryptocurrency.

In addition to the real estate scam, authorities say the couple fraudulently applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan during the pandemic. The application allegedly included fake employee records and forged financial documents. When shown the employee list, Sammy denied recognizing any of the names.

Adding to the seriousness of the case, police say the couple also targeted elderly victims. They reportedly sent threatening emails to senior citizens, warning them of arrest if they didn’t immediately pay large sums of money. Investigators believe this intimidation tactic was used to steal tens of thousands of dollars from vulnerable individuals.

The Mukherjees attempted to legitimize their actions by running a nonprofit group, the Indian Traditions & Cultural Society of North America, which was registered at their home in Plano. Authorities suspect the organization was used to create credibility and gain potential victims’ trust.

The couple had moved to the United States from India while seeking asylum, though their current immigration status is still uncertain. ICE officials confirmed that there are also open fraud cases against them in Mumbai. The pair could face prison terms ranging from five to 99 years if convicted.