An Indian-origin lawful permanent resident has been arrested in the United States on federal charges alleging that he orchestrated a scheme to defraud a bank of nearly USD 100 million by submitting falsified loan documents and misleading records to secure financing.

According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, Mahender Makhijani, 44, who controlled Newport Beach-based Cantor Group V LLC, allegedly deceived a victim bank by claiming that the company held first-lien positions on real estate loans when, in reality, other creditors had priority claims.

Authorities allege that the scheme was carried out between September 2024 and April 2025, during which Makhijani and a subordinate manipulated records and forged documents to support the false claims.

Prosecutors Allege Documents Were Digitally Altered

Federal prosecutors said the accused used digital tools, including Adobe software, to create forged title policies and alter metadata to make it appear that Cantor Group V LLC held first-priority claims on the loans pledged to the bank.

Investigators alleged that the falsified documents were submitted to secure financing under a lending agreement that required the company to provide only first-lien real estate loans as collateral.

Officials further alleged that Makhijani reinforced the misleading claims through spreadsheets and telephone conversations with representatives of the bank.

Bill Essayli, First Assistant US Attorney for the Central District of California, said in a post on X that the alleged fraud had downstream consequences for consumers and businesses, stressing the importance of maintaining trust in the banking system.

Accused Faces Up To 30 Years In Prison

If convicted, Makhijani could face a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison.

He was scheduled to make his initial appearance before the US District Court in Santa Ana, California, on Wednesday.

Federal authorities emphasised that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The case centres on allegations that the accused deliberately misrepresented the status of loan assets and concealed the existence of senior creditors in order to obtain substantial financing from the victim bank.

Banking Fraud Under Increased Scrutiny

US prosecutors said the health of the country’s financial system depends on transparency and trust between lenders and borrowers, warning that deception in the banking sector can have broader consequences for businesses and consumers.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not disclosed the identity of the victim bank.

The charges against Makhijani are allegations, and the case will now proceed through the federal court system, where prosecutors will seek to prove the accusations beyond a reasonable doubt.

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