Bollywood to ICE: Plano Couple Faces Fraud Charges

A Rising Star Turned Accused Fraudster

Sidhartha "Sammy" Mukherjee and his wife Sunita captivated audiences across North Texas with their vibrant performances, showcasing their talents in Bollywood-style acts. Their charm and charisma made them local celebrities, often seen hosting events and performing at cultural gatherings. However, behind the curtain of their success lay a darker reality that would soon come to light.

Federal investigators have accused the couple of orchestrating a complex fraud scheme that allegedly defrauded over 100 individuals. According to Terry Parvaga, an alleged victim, the couple presented themselves as successful businesspeople who could be trusted with investments. "But they will take every single penny you have," he said, highlighting the devastating impact of their actions.

In June, the Mukherjees were arrested and charged with first-degree felony theft, marking a dramatic turn in their lives. The CBS News Texas I-Team had been investigating the couple for nearly two years, interviewing numerous victims in March 2024. These individuals claimed they were lured into investing in what they believed were legitimate real estate deals, only to later discover that the promised returns were never realized.

The Investigation Unfolds

Initially, several police departments dismissed the complaints as civil disputes. However, Euless Police Detective Brian Brennan, a seasoned investigator in white-collar crime, took on the case when a couple came forward with claims of losing $325,000 in an investment scheme. As Brennan delved deeper, he realized the scope of the fraud was far more extensive than initially reported.

The alleged victims claimed that the Mukherjees provided documents that appeared to be remodeling contracts and invoices from the Dallas Housing Authority (DHA). These documents convinced investors to pour money into what they believed were lucrative projects. However, when Brennan contacted the DHA, he discovered no such projects existed. The arrest affidavit revealed that all the paperwork, receipts, and email correspondence were forged, indicating a well-coordinated effort to deceive investors.

Expanding the Scope of the Fraud

The fraudulent activities extended beyond real estate. According to the arrest affidavit, the Mukherjees used a fake company with fictitious employees to apply for a federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. During a meeting at a McDonald's restaurant in Plano, an FBI agent asked Sammy Mukherjee if he recognized certain names listed on a payroll form submitted as part of the PPP loan application. Mukherjee denied knowing the names, despite their presence on the document.

Investigators also questioned Mukherjee about checks deposited into the couple’s bank accounts, which were allegedly obtained from elderly victims who had been scammed through threatening emails about potential arrests. The victims believed they were sending money to law enforcement to avoid jail time. Mukherjee reportedly claimed the checks were given to him by a business partner, stating the money was supposed to be from investors for a hotel project. When asked about contacting this partner, Mukherjee claimed the individual had died the previous year.

Continuing in the Spotlight

Despite the ongoing investigation, the Mukherjees continued to seek public attention. In May, they headlined a charity gala hosted by the Indian Traditions & Cultural Society of North America in Richardson. The event featured a Bollywood legend and included the mayor of Plano among its guests. Tax records revealed that the nonprofit organization is registered to the couple's Plano home, where they were arrested weeks later.

Facing Legal Consequences

Sammy and Sunita Mukherjee have been charged with first-degree felony theft, a serious offense that carries a potential sentence of five to 99 years in prison if convicted. After posting a $500,000 bond, Sammy Mukherjee was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at his Plano home and is currently being held at an ICE detention facility south of Fort Worth.

Investigators have noted that the couple came to the United States from India seeking asylum, but their current immigration status remains unclear. Additionally, the arrest affidavit indicates that Sammy Mukherjee has outstanding fraud warrants in Mumbai, India.

The Struggle for Justice

The likelihood of the alleged victims recovering their money appears slim, according to investigators. The Mukherjees filed for bankruptcy last year, and efforts are underway to determine whether any funds were transferred offshore or into cryptocurrency accounts. Detective Brennan expressed skepticism about the chances of recovery, stating, "I think it's gone. I think they've spent it on cars, their house, and in just living expenses."

As the investigation continues, the Mukherjees’ story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of trust and the importance of due diligence in financial matters. The community is left grappling with the aftermath of what was once a seemingly successful couple, now facing severe legal consequences.