WICHITA, Kan. — Two men were arrested on September 17, 2025, in connection with a social security scam that defrauded an 84-year-old Sedgwick County woman of more than $255,000.
The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, working alongside the FBI, launched the investigation after the victim received a call from a man impersonating an FBI agent in May. The caller convinced her that her social security number had been compromised and was being used at multiple banks.
Fearing for her savings and under pressure from the scammer, the woman liquidated her assets into gold. She then handed over the gold in three separate transactions to individuals she believed were undercover agents.
Authorities believe the gold was transferred to overseas accounts.
The victim’s family alerted the sheriff’s office after discovering the loss of all assets. A joint investigation by the sheriff’s detectives and FBI agents followed.
During a coordinated operation on September 17, law enforcement intercepted a fourth attempted transaction and arrested 27-year-old Krishna Bharanue Daggubati of Cummings, Georgia, and 29-year-old Sai Praveen Kommana of Frisco, Texas.
Both men face charges of felony theft by deception and mistreatment of a dependent adult and were booked into the Sedgwick County Adult Detention Facility.
Officials believe the scam’s ringleader remains outside the United States and directed the scheme through communications with the victim and couriers.
Sheriff Jeff Easter urges the community to remain vigilant.
“These criminals prey on some of the most vulnerable members of our community. I encourage family members to watch out for their loved ones, especially the elderly, who are often targeted by these scams. The Sheriff’s Office will never ask for money over the phone… not for missing jury duty, not for a warrant, and we will never offer to safeguard your assets. If you ever have questions or concerns, call us directly at (316) 660-3900.”
