Immigration fraud: Indian national staged fake robberies to help 'victims' get visas

AN INDIAN-AMERICAN has pleaded guilty to staging armed robberies at retail outlets across several states to help individuals fraudulently obtain US immigration benefits.

Rambhai Patel, 37, a resident of New York, entered a guilty plea on Tuesday (20) before US District Judge Myong J. Joun in Boston to one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud.

The sentencing has been scheduled for August 20 and he faces deportation after completing his jail term.

According to US federal prosecutors, Patel and a co-conspirator carried out at least nine staged robberies at convenience stores and restaurants — five of them in Massachusetts — beginning in March 2023.

The purpose was to fabricate violent crime scenarios so that store clerks or owners could apply for U nonimmigrant status (U Visa), a special visa granted to victims of serious crimes who assist law enforcement.

Surveillance footage showed a fake robber brandishing a weapon, stealing cash, and fleeing the scene.

The “victims,” who had paid Patel large sums—up to $20,000 in one case — would then wait before reporting the incident to police.

Patel in turn paid store owners for access to the premises.

At least two individuals submitted U visa applications based on these staged incidents.

Patel was charged in December 2023. His co-conspirator, identified as Singh, is expected to plead guilty soon.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

The case was investigated by the FBI and US immigration authorities with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Tennessee.