The two arrested individuals were identified as 24-year-old Mahammadilham Vahora and 24-year-old Hajiali Vahora.

According to officials, they were attending East-West University in Chicago, Illinois.

Sharing details about the incident, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office said in a statement: "In October 2024, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Regional Communications Center received information from an elderly citizen who stated they had been a victim of a scamming phone call. The victim said the scammer claimed to be a 'government agent' and made multiple threats to the victim."

"Consequently, the victim sent money via a cryptocurrency ATM and purchased gold, which was given to the suspects in person," the statement said.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division Financial Crimes Unit initiated an investigation into the incident and, through cellphone tower record tracing, was able to identify and locate two suspects.

"Both suspects were booked into the El Paso County Jail in April 2025 and are the subjects of a continued investigation involving victims across the United States," the statement said.

El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal said: "Shame on anyone who defrauds our elderly citizens."

“Scammers are around every corner, and it is crucial for families and friends to be talking to their elderly loved ones about the signs of a scam phone call or email. I encourage the citizens of the Pikes Peak region to connect with those who are vulnerable and remind them to NEVER give currency to anyone claiming to be a government agency while posing threats," Roybal said.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office urges citizens to be aware of ongoing schemes and never give crypto, cash, or gold to someone claiming to be involved in a bank, IT, or government investigation.

(With inputs from IBNS)