They were known for their glitzy performances and lavish lifestyle, but behind the glamour, federal authorities say, Bollywood singer Sunita Mukherjee and her husband Sidhartha “Sammy” Mukherjee were running a massive fraud scheme in North Texas.
The couple is now facing serious legal trouble in the U.S., with accusations of swindling millions from unsuspecting victims.
Arrested and Under Investigation
Sammy and Sunita were arrested in June 2025 and charged with first-degree felony theft.
Authorities say the couple orchestrated an elaborate scam that defrauded investors of over $4 million.
After their arrest, both were granted bond at $500,000 each, but Sammy was immediately picked up by ICE agents and is now being held in a detention facility just south of Fort Worth.
Real Estate Scam Uncovered
The Mukherjees had earned a reputation in the local community not just as performers, but also as self-proclaimed real estate investors.
But that image quickly unraveled when victims started coming forward, claiming they had been duped into investing in fake property deals.
According to investigators, the couple pitched what looked like promising opportunities—only for authorities to later discover the projects didn’t exist at all.
“The Most Prolific Fraudster I’ve Seen”
Detective Brian Brennan from the Euless Police Department, who’s been working on the case, told CBS News this may be one of the most complex fraud operations he’s seen in over two decades.
What started as a routine complaint from a couple who lost $325,000 turned into a sprawling investigation involving forged documents and phony business agreements.
Fake Documents and Fabricated Deals
Brennan said he was stunned by the sheer volume of forged materials—fake invoices, bogus remodeling contracts, even documents claiming ties to the Dallas Housing Authority.
“It had to be a full-time job just making all those counterfeit papers,” he remarked.
That’s when federal agencies were brought in to assist.
The FBI and Forensic Accountants Step In
With help from the FBI and forensic accountants, investigators traced more than $4 million in confirmed losses.
Although only 20 victims have been officially identified so far, authorities believe over 100 people could be affected.
Some victims were convinced to hand over life savings under the illusion of secure investments.
The PPP Loan Scam Twist
And it didn’t stop at real estate. Court documents show the Mukherjees also submitted a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application during the pandemic.
They allegedly listed fake employees and made up company payrolls to access government funds.
When questioned by the FBI at a McDonald’s in Plano, Sammy denied recognizing the names on the application’s payroll list.
Preying on the Elderly With Threats
Investigators also say the couple went as far as targeting elderly individuals, sending alarming emails that falsely threatened legal consequences unless immediate payments were made.
According to CBS News, these scare tactics were part of a broader pattern of deception.
Public Performances Amid Allegations
Surprisingly, even while under investigation, the Mukherjees continued making public appearances.
In May 2024—just weeks before their arrest—they were headlining a gala hosted by the Indian Traditions & Cultural Society of North America, a nonprofit tied to their own home address in Plano.
Facing Long Prison Sentences
Now, the couple faces the possibility of spending decades in prison.
First-degree felony theft in Texas carries a sentence of 5 to 99 years if convicted.
While they reportedly arrived in the U.S. seeking asylum from India, their current immigration status remains unclear.
Adding to the drama, investigators say there are outstanding fraud warrants for Sammy in Mumbai.
That detail, buried in the arrest affidavit, could potentially complicate their legal standing further.
Money Gone, Victims Devastated
As for the victims, many have little hope of ever getting their money back.
The Mukherjees filed for bankruptcy last year, and authorities suspect the stolen funds may have been used for personal expenses, luxury items—or hidden in offshore or crypto accounts.
“I think it’s gone,” said Detective Brennan.
“I think they spent it on their house, cars, and day-to-day living.”
“They Took Every Penny”
Several victims have spoken out publicly, still in disbelief over how easily they were fooled.
“Looking back, we should’ve asked more questions,” said Seshu Madabhushi, who lost a significant sum.
Another victim, Terry Parvaga, warned, “They’ll make you believe they’re successful entrepreneurs, but they’ll take every penny you’ve got.”
No Comment From the Couple
As the legal battle unfolds, the Daily Mail has reached out to the Mukherjees for comment—but so far, they have remained silent.
Investigators, meanwhile, continue combing through financial records, hoping to recover whatever funds they can.