Federal authorities have charged 11 Indian nationals in connection with an alleged conspiracy that involved staging armed robberies at convenience stores to fraudulently obtain immigration benefits.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office, the suspects allegedly orchestrated fake robberies so store clerks could claim they were victims of violent crimes when applying for U Visa immigration status.
Among those charged is Rameshbhai Patel, 52, who was arrested in Somerset, Kentucky with assistance from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Officials said Patel was taken into custody without incident while leaving his apartment.
Investigators allege the scheme dates back to March 2023 and involved staging armed robberies at at least six convenience stores, liquor stores, and fast-food restaurants in Massachusetts and other locations.
Authorities say the robberies were carefully planned to appear real. A person posing as the robber would enter the store, threaten clerks with what appeared to be a firearm, take cash from the register, and flee. The incidents were intentionally captured on surveillance cameras. After the staged robber left, store employees would call police to report the robbery.
Federal prosecutors claim the participants then used the police reports to support applications for a U visa, which is designed for victims of certain crimes who cooperate with law enforcement.
According to investigators, individuals who wanted to be listed as “victims” allegedly paid the organizer of the scheme to take part. The organizer then reportedly paid store owners to allow their businesses to be used for the staged robberies.
The defendants charged with conspiracy to commit visa fraud include:
Jitendrakumar Patel, 39
Maheshkumar Patel, 36
Sanjaykumar Patel, 45
Dipikaben Patel, 40
Rameshbhai Patel, 52
Amitabahen Patel, 43
Ronakkumar Patel, 28
Sangitaben Patel, 36
Minkesh Patel, 42
Sonal Patel, 42
Mitul Patel, 40
Prosecutors say the charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
Patel is expected to appear in federal court in Boston at a later date as the case moves forward.
