Hyderabad, Telangana: Sai Praveen Kommana, a native of Hyderabad currently residing in Texas, United States, has been accused of orchestrating a major gold fraud targeting an elderly woman in Missouri. According to official reports, the accused allegedly posed as a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) agent and deceived the victim into handing over gold worth $97,240. Charges have recently been filed in the Clay County Court.

Investigators revealed that the fraud began on September 10 last year when the victim attempted to contact a company's customer support but inadvertently reached Praveen. Seizing the opportunity, he introduced himself as a CIA official and gained the victim’s trust by sending a fake badge and identification.

Praveen allegedly convinced the victim that her Social Security account had been compromised and advised her to convert her bank savings into gold to safeguard it from cybercriminals. He further assured her that he would securely store the gold and return it after a few years.

Following his instructions, the victim transferred $97,240 to a jewelry store in Kansas City, purchased gold bars, and brought them home. The following day, Praveen reportedly arrived in a vehicle and collected the gold from her residence.

The incident came to light after the victim informed her daughter, who shared details on social media, prompting law enforcement authorities to initiate an investigation. Using CCTV footage and phone records, police identified and arrested Praveen. The stolen gold was also recovered.

Authorities have confirmed that two other Telugu individuals assisted in the fraud. While the two accomplices have already been convicted, Praveen has denied the allegations and has been granted bail. Following the completion of the investigation, formal chargesheets have now been filed, and the case is scheduled for hearing in the Clay County Court.