A federal grand jury in Boston has indicted 10 Indian nationals accused of staging fake armed robberies at stores to help clerks file fraudulent US visa applications. Prosecutors say the alleged plot used scripted crimes, surveillance footage and false victim claims to seek protected immigration status.
The case has drawn attention because investigators allege the robberies were not random crimes but planned events designed to exploit the U Visa system. The visa is meant for genuine victims of violent crimes who assist law enforcement.
According to the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts, the defendants were first charged through a criminal complaint in March 2026. Officials said all 10 had been released earlier under specific conditions, while two remain in federal detention.
The accused were identified as Jitendrakumar Patel, Maheshkumar Patel, Sanjaykumar Patel, Dipikaben Patel, Rameshbhai Patel, Amitabahen Patel, Ronakkumar Patel, Sangitaben Patel, Minkesh Patel and Sonal Patel. Prosecutors said one defendant had already been sent back to India, while several others were living in different US states without legal status.
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How It Worked
Charging documents allege Rambhai Patel and others organised at least six staged armed robberies at convenience stores and fast-food outlets across Massachusetts from March 2023.
Investigators said a hired robber would threaten store clerks or owners with what appeared to be a firearm while cameras recorded the incident. Authorities alleged the footage was intended to support later visa claims.
To make the scenes appear real, the supposed victims would wait at least five minutes before contacting police, investigators said.
Money Trail
Prosecutors alleged that each participant paid Rambhai Patel to take part in the scheme. Patel then allegedly paid store owners to use their premises for the staged incidents.
The U Visa grants protection to certain crime victims who cooperate with law enforcement. Investigators claim the defendants tried to misuse that process through fabricated evidence and false reports.
Possible Penalty
If convicted, the defendants face up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.
Officials also said all 10 defendants could face deportation after completing any sentence imposed by the court.
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