THE ELDERLY ARE EASY MARKS FOR SCAM ARTISTS

Six Arrested in $2.8 Million Elder Gold Scam; Police Recover $766,000 for Victim

 

KGTX 7

Mar 4, 2026 

 

 

 

 

FRIENDSWOOD – Police have arrested six people in connection with an alleged elder fraud scheme that investigators say stole nearly $2.8 million from at least six victims across Texas, including two in Friendswood. Authorities recovered $766,000 for one local victim.

The investigation began in December 2025 after an 81-year-old Friendswood resident was convinced by someone posing as a federal employee to convert $766,000 into 177 one-ounce Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coins. Detectives later determined a similar scheme had targeted a 76-year-old Friendswood resident for $134,000 in September.

Police say suspects traveled to victims’ homes to collect the gold. Through search warrants executed in Richmond, Houston, Missouri City and Kingwood, investigators recovered all 177 coins and seized additional evidence tied to the operation.

Those arrested include Smitaben Thakor, 43, of Sugar Land; Samirali Ghabrani, 48, of Missouri City; Mudassir Iqbal Lakhani, 35, and Iqbal Ibrahim Lakhani, 60, both of Richmond; Zohaib Muhammad, 39, of Kingwood; and Samir Ali, 36, of Atascocita. All six are charged with first-degree felony theft with an enhancement for engaging in organized criminal activity. Bonds range from $1 million to $5 million.

Investigators identified four additional victims in Humble, Cypress, Cleburne and New Braunfels who collectively lost about $1.9 million. Those cases remain under investigation.

Police said the scam involved callers impersonating federal agents or financial officials and instructing victims to convert funds into gold for pickup by couriers. Authorities are coordinating with multiple district attorney’s offices and pursuing asset forfeiture proceedings tied to the case.

Friendswood Police urge residents to report suspected fraud to law enforcement.