COLUMBIA, Ill. – Undercover officers recently arrested a suspect accused of orchestrating a six-figure gold extortion scam in Columbia, Illinois.

Raj Patel, 26, of Knoxville, Tennessee, was arrested on Jan. 31 in connection with the scam, according to the Columbia Police Department.

The Monroe County State’s Attorney’s Office has charged Patel with one felony count of theft ($100K-$500K) and one felony count of attempted theft ($100K-500K).

Columbia Police Chief Jason Donjon tells FOX 2 that Patel allegedly gained access to the victim’s computer and convinced her that he had embarrassing information about her. He then threatened to expose it unless she paid him in gold.

Under pressure, the victim withdrew large amounts of gold and handed it over at a neutral location, believing it would prevent exposure.

After a second gold payment, the victim realized something was wrong. As part of the scam, Patel allegedly promised the victim would receive other funds in exchange for gold, though that never happened, according to Donjon. The victim then reported the incidents to Columbia police.

Officers confirmed the victim was involved in a scam, then launched an undercover operation to investigate. Officers arranged a meeting with Patel for another gold exchange. When he arrived, officers took him into custody.

The Columbia Police Department says detectives with the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southern Illinois (MEGSI) assisted in the investigation.

“CPD would like to remind all citizens to contact us before sending or wiring any currency, checks, or gold to anyone if there is any suspicion,” said the Columbia Police Department.