DA: Woman admits bilking Nepalese immigrants in NY
Jun 29, 2012, 12:33 AM
NEW YORK (AP) – Prosecutors say a woman who held herself out as a prominent Nepalese figure’s sister has admitted scamming thousands of dollars from Nepalese immigrants in New York.
The Manhattan district attorney’s office says Hit Shrestha pleaded guilty Thursday to scheming to defraud. Her lawyer hasn’t returned a call seeking comment.
Prosecutors say Shrestha used the name Nitu Rana and falsely claimed to be the sister of Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, the wife of former Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.
Prosecutors say victims paid Shrestha $3,000 to $7,000 to arrange to bring their relatives to the United States but she didn’t deliver on her promises. They say she claimed to offer the relatives a spot in a delegation traveling with Arzu Rana Deuba.
The relatives didn’t arrive, and victims demanded repayment.
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