KENOSHA, Wis. —
Chintan Thakkar, 44, appeared voluntarily in Kenosha County intake court on Wednesday after prosecutors charged him with felony theft and money laundering involving more than $100,000. Investigators allege Thakkar, along with Jagdishkumar Nandani, played a role in an elaborate scheme that defrauded a Kenosha woman of hundreds of thousands of dollars in gold.
The victim, who asked that her name not be released, told 12 News she was targeted by a caller who convinced her that her bank accounts had been hacked and used for criminal activity. Believing she was speaking with a federal agent, she was persuaded that her life savings would be safest if converted into gold.
She ultimately handed over $332,750 in gold on March 1, followed by another $139,500 on March 15 at her home on Kenosha’s north side. Prosecutors say Nandani acted as the courier who repeatedly picked up the gold. The woman says her total losses exceeded $653,000, and she even sold her house after being manipulated into believing it was tied to the scheme.
According to prosecutors, Thakkar and Nandani were allegedly receiving instructions through an overseas WhatsApp group.
“The group was used to communicate instructions for pickups and provided photographs of money, gold, and victim information,” said Kenosha District Attorney Xavier Solis.
In court, Thakkar’s attorney argued for dismissal, claiming there was no probable cause linking his client to the alleged crimes.
“There’s nothing that alleges or provides probable cause to believe my client was involved in any way with the case that is charged here in Kenosha County,” attorney Carl Johnson stated.
Court Commissioner William Michel denied the motion and ordered Thakkar into custody on a $25,000 bond. Bailiffs took him into custody following the hearing, though his attorney noted Thakkar had enough cash on hand to post bail.
Thakkar’s attorney declined further comment. According to Wisconsin court records, a warrant remains active for Nandani, who has not yet been arrested.
