Memphis Man Arrested in International Cyber Theft Targeting Elderly

Dipen Patel, a 25-year-old man from Memphis, was arrested in Rutherford County in connection with an international cyber theft scheme targeting elderly victims, including two identified in Rutherford County. He was charged with one count of theft of property valued at $60,000 or more and was held on a $65,000 bond. The arrest followed a multi-agency investigation involving the FBI, IRS, Homeland Security Investigations, Tennessee Highway Patrol, multiple sheriff's offices, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Cybercrime and Digital Evidence Unit. The scheme specifically targeted senior citizens, resulting in significant financial losses for the victims. Authorities emphasize that charges are accusations and Patel is presumed innocent until proven guilty. This case highlights ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime affecting vulnerable populations in Tennessee.