11 Indian nationals charged in US over visa fraud scheme

Ahmedabad: The United States Department of Justice has charged eleven Indian nationals for allegedly participating in "staged armed robberies" with the intent to seek immigration benefits. While the specific states of their origin are not yet disclosed, however, some information suggests their possible link to Gujarat.

The individuals charged have been identified as Jitendrakumar Patel, 39, Maheshkumar Patel, Sanjaykumar Patel, 45, Dipikaben Patel, 40, Rameshbhai Patel, 52, Amitabahen Patel, 43, Ronakkumar Patel, 28, Sangitaben Patel, 36, Minkesh Patel, 42, Sonal Patel, 42, and Mitul Patel, 40. One of them, Dipika Patel was deported to India after getting caught for illegal stay.

A press note, issued by the US Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts, stated, "Defendants allegedly participated in staged armed robberies so that 'victims' could apply for immigration benefits." They have been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud.

The press statement alleges that the conspiracy began in March 2023 when Rambhai Patel and his co-conspirators staged robberies at atleast six convenience stores, liquor stores and fast food restaurants in Massachusetts and elsewhere.

"It is alleged that the purpose of the staged robberies was to allow the clerks present to claim falsely that they were victims of a violent crime on an application for U non-immigration status (U Visa)," the statement read.

U visa is available to victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and who have been helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.

During such robberies, the suspect robbers would threaten the store clerks or owners with an apparent firearm before taking cash from the register and fleeing.

"The clerks and/or owners would then wait five or more minutes until the 'robber' had escaped before calling police to report the 'crime'," the statement read.

The “victims”, and the alleged robber, participated in the conspiracy. "In turn, Rambhai Patel allegedly paid the store owners to let them stage the robbery," the department claimed in the note.

Patel, the “robber,” and also the getaway driver had previously been charged and convicted. The 11 Indian nationals allegedly either arranged to set up the robbery or paid for themselves or a family member to participate as a “victim.”

The charge of conspiracy to commit visa fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $2,50,000.