Scammer who stole $40,000 arrested in sting operation in Lincoln, affidavit says

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A Council Bluffs, Iowa, man accused of stealing $40,000 in a fraud scheme was arrested Monday in Lincoln.

On Saturday, a person posing as a Federal Trade Commission inspector called a 27-year-old man and told him he was wanted for money laundering.

To prove that his money was “legitimate,” the caller said he needed to “verify his money,” police said.

The victim withdrew $40,000 and gave it to a “government informant” in the Hy-Vee parking lot near 50th and O streets.

The “informant,” later identified as 36-year-old Vipulkumar Chaudhary, was driving a Honda Accord with Illinois license plates.

On Monday, investigators called Chaudhary, who asked for another $30,000 in cash, an arrest affidavit says.

Investigators agreed and set up another meeting in the Hy-Vee parking lot.

During the undercover surveillance operation, Chaudhary entered the parking lot in the same Honda Accord.

Officers arrested Chaudhary on suspicion of two felony theft charges.

A Lancaster County judge set his bond at $200,000.  He must pay $20,000 to be released from jail.