NEW BERLIN, Wis. (CBS 58) — A 22-year-old Indian national has been sentenced to four years in federal prison after admitting to conspiring to commit money laundering as part of a nationwide fraud scheme that targeted elderly and vulnerable victims.

According to court records, Roshan Shah, an Indian citizen studying in Canada on a student visa, entered the United States on a visitor visa to collect money obtained through the scam.

Prosecutors said Shah's co-conspirators in India contacted victims and falsely claimed their identities had been used to commit crimes. Victims were then told they needed to surrender cash or gold to a supposed federal agent for safekeeping. Authorities said Shah posed as that agent and collected the valuables.

Investigators said Shah collected more than $3.7 million from 15 victims across the United States.

He was arrested in New Berlin while attempting to collect what he believed were additional fraud proceeds using the same scheme.

At sentencing, the judge emphasized the seriousness of Shah's crimes and the devastating financial and emotional impact on the victims, many of whom were elderly.

"This case highlights the danger faced by Americans from fraudsters both here and overseas," said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel. "This conviction and sentence are the result of the intensive efforts of federal law enforcement working closely with the U.S. Attorney's Office to combat the scourge of fraud targeting our seniors. This case should serve as a reminder that we will continue to devote substantial resources to fighting fraud, holding scammers accountable, and protecting Americans from these schemes."

"Homeland Security Investigations remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the American public from transnational fraud schemes that target our most vulnerable citizens," said HSI Wisconsin Assistant Special Agent in Charge Eric Rice. "This case demonstrates the impact of coordinated law enforcement efforts to disrupt criminal networks that prey on victims across borders. We will continue to work with our partners to identify, investigate, and bring to justice those who seek to exploit and defraud members of our communities."

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the New Berlin Police Department.