Six Indian-Origin Defendants Get Sentenced in $15M Illegal Hawala Network Bust

Six Indian-Origin Defendants Get Sentenced in $15M Illegal Hawala Network Bust

New York— On June 5, 2025, U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas in Manhattan sentenced Hirenkumar Patel to 21 months in prison—the final defendant in a group of six Indian‑origin men convicted of running an unlicensed “hawala” network that funneled over $15 million in illicit cash between the U.S. and India.

Waymo Suspends Downtown LA Rides After Fiery Protests

Waymo Suspends Downtown LA Rides After Fiery Protests

Los Angeles— Waymo, Google's autonomous ride‑hail service, has suspended operations in downtown Los Angeles as of June 10, 2025, after anti‑ICE protesters vandalized and set ablaze at least five vehicle units during weekend demonstrations.

Indian Man Wanted for Child Sex Crimes Arrested at U.S.-Canada Border

Indian Man Wanted for Child Sex Crimes Arrested at U.S.-Canada Border

Champlain, New York— Gurdev Singh, a 42-year-old Indian national, was arrested on May 28, 2025, by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of Champlain border crossing after being denied entry into Canada. Singh was found to have an active felony arrest warrant from Indiana for charges related to child solicitation and solicitation for sexual intercourse. Further investigation revealed that he had overstayed his U.S. visitor visa since 2016.

Anjali Sud Joins Harvard Board Amid Political Tensions

Anjali Sud Joins Harvard Board Amid Political Tensions

Boston, MA— Anjali Sud, the Indian-American CEO of streaming platform Tubi, has been elected to Harvard University's Board of Overseers, succeeding Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Carney resigned from the board on March 9, 2025, after being elected leader of Canada's Liberal Party and subsequently becoming the country's 24th Prime Minister. Sud's appointment comes at a time when Harvard faces challenges regarding the relevance and value of higher education in the digital age.

Varun Navani and Amanda Soll's Extravagant Baraat Transforms Manhattan's Financial District

Varun Navani and Amanda Soll's Extravagant Baraat Transforms Manhattan's Financial District

New York City— In a dazzling display of cultural fusion and opulence, Indian-American tech executive Varun Navani and legal director Amanda Soll shut down Wall Street with their grand wedding procession, or 'baraat,' captivating onlookers and social media alike. The couple's four-day celebration, beginning May 23, 2025, epitomized the evolving landscape of South Asian weddings in the United States, blending traditional rituals with modern extravagance.

Historic Milestone: AAPI Becomes Partner Member of IAMRA

Historic Milestone: AAPI Becomes Partner Member of IAMRA

Washington, D.C.— The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) has achieved a significant milestone by becoming a Partner Member of the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities (IAMRA). This membership, announced on May 27, 2025, integrates AAPI into a global network dedicated to promoting effective medical regulation and ensuring public safety through collaboration and shared best practices.

Indian-Origin Teens Shine as Spelling Bee Marks 100 Years

Indian-Origin Teens Shine as Spelling Bee Marks 100 Years

Washington, D.C.— In a historic finale to the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee, 13-year-old Faizan Zaki from Allen, Texas, emerged victorious, correctly spelling "éclaircissement" to clinch the championship. The competition, celebrating its 100th anniversary, saw Indian-origin spellers dominate the finals, with seven of the nine finalists sharing South Asian heritage.

Indian-American Husband Accused of Poisoning Wife’s Smoothies in Murder Plot

Indian-American Husband Accused of Poisoning Wife’s Smoothies in Murder Plot

Carmel, Indiana— Darshan R. Soni, a 44-year-old Indian-American businessman, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to murder, allegedly plotting to kill his wife, Aparna Soni. The plan, which unfolded over several months, involved attempts to poison her and solicitations to employees for assistance in carrying out the murder.

U.S. Targets Indian Travel Agents in Crackdown on Illegal Immigration

U.S. Targets Indian Travel Agents in Crackdown on Illegal Immigration

Washington, D.C.— On May 19, 2025, the U.S. State Department announced visa restrictions on owners, executives, and senior staff of Indian travel agencies accused of facilitating illegal immigration to the United States. This move is part of a broader effort to dismantle human smuggling networks and enforce immigration laws.