Exhibit A — No. 1:20-cr-00293 (Dkt. 311-1, N.D. Ill.)

Summary

Filed December 15, 2025 as Exhibit A to Docket 311 in Case No. 1:20-cr-00293, this letter from Chirag D. Shah, Rahul Shah's brother, describes Shah taking over the family businesses in India after their father's death in 1991 and later founding Katalyst and Boardshare in the United States. The letter says those companies employed hundreds of people and that Shah never sought personal enrichment at others' expense. It asks that Shah be granted clemency.

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Case: 1:20-cr-00293 Document #: 311-1 Filed: 12/15/25 Page 1 of 2 PageID #:3429




                    EXHIBIT A

  Case: 1:20-cr-00293 Document #: 311-1 Filed: 12/15/25 Page 2 of 2 PageID #:3430




Dear Sirs / Madam:

I write with deep respect to share a true reflection of my brother, Rahul Shah, and to request
your thoughtful consideration of his character. This request stems from heartfelt conviction
about the kind of man Rahul truly is—honest, selfless, and defined by compassion and integrity.

Rahul and I were raised in a close-knit family in Pune, India, grounded in the values of respect,
truth, and service to others. Our father’s untimely death in 1991 changed everything. At only
twenty-two, Rahul set aside his own dreams to take responsibility for the family and its
businesses during one of India’s worst economic crises. Through determination and courage, he
stabilized the companies, paid every lender and creditor in full, and protected our family’s
reputation. When stability returned, rather than profit for himself, Rahul chose to withdraw
from the family business so our mother could join us in the United States, where she could be
cared for.

After returning to the U.S., Rahul’s drive led him to find his own ventures—
Katalyst and Boardshare. These ventures reflected his core values. They employed hundreds of
people domestically as well as globally. Rahul made it a priority to hire individuals from
underrepresented backgrounds, creating opportunities for those often overlooked by society.
Many of his employees have remained with him for over fifteen years, not because of financial
rewards, but because of his kindness, mentorship, and personal concern for their wellbeing.

Rahul has shown the same generosity within our family and community. He has supported
relatives through medical and financial crises, paid for children’s education, and quietly stepped
in wherever help was needed.

Despite the challenges and accusations surrounding the current case, Rahul’s moral compass
remains unchanged. Those who know him—family, employees, and friends—see a man guided
by empathy and fairness, someone who believes in accountability but also in forgiveness. He
has never sought personal enrichment at the expense of others and has lived his life in service
to family, work, and community.

Rahul deserves the chance to continue contributing positively to society. Granting him clemency
would not only restore his ability to rebuild and give back but also reaffirm the belief that
decency, compassion, and lifelong integrity carry meaning in our justice system.

With the deepest respect and faith in your compassion,

Chirag D. Shah
Brother of Rahul Shah
7737 S. El Camino Drive
Tempe, AZ 85284, USA.

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gov.uscourts.ilnd.376844.311.1.pdf

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gov.uscourts.ilnd.376844.311.1.pdf

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