EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. — Two men have been arrested for allegedly scamming an elderly man in El Paso County using a cryptocurrency and gold fraud scheme. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) identified the suspects as 24-year-old Mahammadilham Vahora and 24-year-old Hajiali Vahora, both Indian nationals in the U.S. on student visas, attending East-West University in Chicago.
The case began in October 2024, when an elderly citizen reported receiving a threatening phone call from someone claiming to be a government agent. The caller coerced the victim into sending money through a cryptocurrency ATM and purchasing gold, which was later handed over to the suspects in person.
EPSO’s Financial Crimes Unit traced the suspects using cellphone tower data, leading to their arrest in April 2025. Both men were booked into the El Paso County Jail and now face charges including:
Robbery targeting an at-risk person
Money laundering through illegal investments
Theft targeting an at-risk person
“These scammers prey on the vulnerable, and I am proud of my team for bringing them to justice,” said Sheriff Joseph Roybal. He added that educating seniors about scam tactics remains a top priority.
EPSO warns of a rise in phone scams across the Pikes Peak region, where fraudsters pose as officials from government, banking, or IT sectors. Victims are often convinced to convert their money to crypto or gold and hand it over in person under false pretenses.
The public is urged to never give money, crypto, or valuables to anyone claiming to be from a government agency or investigation. Sheriff Roybal emphasized, “No legitimate authority will ever ask for crypto or gold.”
Families are encouraged to talk with elderly relatives about common scam tactics and to stay vigilant.
