Katy Couple Indicted in Money Laundering Scheme
A federal grand jury charged two Katy residents with laundering fraud proceeds through a copier business.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Katy residents Ketan Kamdar and Jheel Kamdar were indicted on September 3, 2026, for their alleged roles in a trade-based money laundering scheme. The defendants are accused of using a copier wholesale business to launder proceeds from fraud schemes to conspirators in India.
Why it matters
The case highlights how legitimate business operations like copier wholesale companies can be utilized to obscure the movement of illicit financial proceeds. Prosecutors seek to seize over $4 million in assets tied to the alleged operation.
A federal grand jury returned the indictment on September 3, 2026, following the defendants' arrests on September 2. Ketan Kamdar is currently released on a $1.5 million bond, while Jheel Kamdar is released on a $100,000 bond.
The players
Ketan Kamdar
He is a Katy resident charged with money laundering conspiracy who was released on a $1.5 million bond.
Jheel Kamdar
She is a Katy resident charged with money laundering conspiracy who was released on a $100,000 bond.
Jainam International
This is the copier wholesale business allegedly used by the defendants to facilitate the laundering of illicit funds.
The details
The suspects allegedly used Jainam International to facilitate the transfer of funds by creating fabricated invoices for used copier sales. Proceeds from various fraud schemes were reportedly funneled through the company and sent to India as payment to criminal associates.
Timeline
The laundering activity reportedly began in 2023.
A victim deposited funds into the Jainam International account in June 2024.
The defendants were arrested on September 2, 2026.
A federal grand jury returned the indictment on September 3, 2026.
Jheel Kamdar was arraigned on September 30, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows the pattern of federal prosecutions focused on trade-based money laundering under existing financial crime statutes. Such indictments are part of broader efforts to penalize the misuse of commercial entities for illicit financial movement.
Local business owners and residents are reminded to perform thorough due diligence when engaging in wholesale transactions to avoid involvement in fraudulent enterprises. Authorities are focused on identifying the broader network of conspirators who utilized the Houston-based business.
The takeaway
Trade-based money laundering often involves the fabrication of invoices to mask the transfer of illicit funds between international borders. Individuals should be wary of any business arrangement requiring the exchange of high-value goods for irregular payment methods.
Further reading
For more information on legal actions in the region, visit the Houston Financial Crime section.
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