10 Indian Nationals Charged in Fake Robbery Visa Fraud Scheme

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Ten Indian nationals were indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in an elaborate scheme to fake armed robberies across Massachusetts in order to boost their chances of obtaining U non-immigration status visas (U Visas). The group allegedly paid the organizer, Rambhai Patel, to participate as the 'robber' and also bribed store owners to allow their businesses to be used for the staged crimes.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of visa fraud schemes that exploit programs intended to protect victims of crime. The U Visa was created to provide legal status to immigrants who assist law enforcement, but this group allegedly abused the system for personal gain. The indictments also raise concerns about the ability of authorities to detect and prevent such sophisticated fraud.

The details

According to charging documents, the group staged at least six fake armed robberies at convenience stores in Massachusetts in March 2023. During the staged incidents, the 'robber' would threaten the store clerk with a gun, take cash from the register, and then flee. The clerks were instructed to wait at least five minutes before calling the police to ensure the 'robber' escaped. The alleged robberies were captured on surveillance cameras, and the 'victims' then used the footage to apply for U Visas, which are available to victims of certain crimes who have suffered abuse and cooperated with law enforcement.

• The alleged robberies took place in March 2023.
• The 10 individuals were indicted by a federal grand jury on April 9, 2026.

What’s next

The 10 individuals charged in the indictment face up to 5 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine if convicted. Rameshbhai Patel and Ronakkumar Patel have already been taken into immigration custody, while the remaining defendants are subject to deportation after sentencing.