Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Suspect in “Gold Courier” Warrant Scam

ROUND POND, Maine — Investigators with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) arrested a Texas man in connection with a scheme that pressured an elderly victim to purchase gold to clear alleged federal arrest warrants.

According to LCSO, the case began when the victim’s daughter discovered the scam and reported it. The victim had recently purchased a new printer and, while searching online for tech support, called a number that resolved the printer issue. Shortly afterward, the victim was contacted by someone claiming to be from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and using the name of a current FTC Commissioner.

Investigators say the caller told the victim there were active arrest warrants for drug trafficking and money laundering. The victim was instructed that the warrants could be “satisfied” by paying in gold. The victim then ordered $261,000 in gold from a legitimate online vendor. Once the purchase was confirmed, a “courier” was arranged to pick up the gold from the victim’s home.

A second gold purchase of $267,000 was reportedly in progress when family members intervened and stopped the transaction, prompting notification to LCSO. Working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and assisted by Maine Drug Enforcement, deputies set up a controlled operation. Investigators created a false transaction, sent fake documentation to the scammer, and began a two-day surveillance.

On Friday, November 21, 2025, Gautam Harkhani, 35, of Erwin, Texas, arrived to collect the purported gold and was taken into custody. Harkhani was charged with Theft by Deception (Class B) and Criminal Conspiracy (Class C). He is being held at the Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset on $50,000 cash bail.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jared Mitkus at 207-882-7332 or jmitkus@lincolnso.me. Anonymous tips may be submitted by texting the keyword LTIP and your tip to 847411.

Sheriff Brackett reminds the public that law enforcement and government agencies will not call to demand immediate payment for any reason. Suspicious calls should be ended immediately and reported to authorities.

Credit: Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.