Boston, March 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The United States Department of Justice has charged eleven Indian nationals in connection with an alleged conspiracy to commit visa fraud by staging armed robberies at convenience stores and restaurants so that the individuals involved could falsely claim to be victims of violent crimes on immigration applications.
According to federal authorities, the accused allegedly orchestrated fake robberies with the intention of obtaining U non-immigrant visas (U Visas)—a category of immigration relief available to victims of certain crimes who cooperate with law enforcement authorities in investigations or prosecutions.
Defendants Charged
The following eleven Indian nationals have been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud:
- Jitendrakumar Patel (39) – unlawfully residing in Marshfield, Massachusetts
- Maheshkumar Patel (36) – unlawfully residing in Randolph, Massachusetts
- Sanjaykumar Patel (45) – unlawfully residing in Quincy, Massachusetts
- Dipikaben Patel (40) – deported to India after unlawfully residing in Weymouth, Massachusetts
- Rameshbhai Patel (52) – unlawfully residing in Eubank, Kentucky
- Amitabahen Patel (43) – unlawfully residing in Plainville, Massachusetts
- Ronakkumar Patel (28) – unlawfully residing in Maryland Heights, Missouri
- Sangitaben Patel (36) – unlawfully residing in Randolph, Massachusetts
- Minkesh Patel (42) – unlawfully residing in Perrysburg, Ohio
- Sonal Patel (42) – unlawfully residing in Perrysburg, Ohio
- Mitul Patel (40) – unlawfully residing in Worcester, Massachusetts
Federal officials said six of the accused—Jitendrakumar Patel, Maheshkumar Patel, Sanjaykumar Patel, Amitabahen Patel, Sangitaben Patel and Mitul Patel—were arrested in Massachusetts and appeared in federal court in Boston on Tuesday. They were later released following their initial court appearances.
Meanwhile, Rameshbhai Patel, Ronakkumar Patel, Sonal Patel and Minkesh Patel were arrested in Kentucky, Missouri and Ohio respectively and made initial appearances in federal courts in those states. They are expected to appear before the federal court in Boston at a later date.
Alleged Visa Fraud Scheme
According to the charging documents, the alleged conspiracy dates back to March 2023, when an organizer identified as Rambhai Patel and his co-conspirators allegedly arranged staged armed robberies at at least six convenience stores, liquor stores and fast-food restaurants in Massachusetts, along with additional locations elsewhere.
Authorities claim the robberies were carefully staged so that store clerks could falsely claim they had been victims of violent crimes. The alleged plan involved a “robber” entering the premises, threatening clerks or store owners with what appeared to be a firearm, stealing money from the cash register and fleeing the scene. These incidents were captured on store surveillance cameras to make the events appear genuine.
Investigators allege that after the staged robbery, the clerks and store owners intentionally delayed contacting law enforcement for five minutes or more, allowing the supposed robber to escape before reporting the incident to police.
Payments for Participation
Federal prosecutors allege that the individuals acting as “victims” paid money to the scheme’s organizer, Patel, in order to participate. In turn, Patel allegedly compensated store owners for allowing their establishments to be used for the staged robberies.
Authorities further stated that Patel, the alleged robber and the getaway driver involved in the scheme had already been charged and convicted previously.
The eleven defendants charged in the latest case are accused of either coordinating with the organizer to arrange the staged robberies or paying to have themselves or family members portrayed as victims of violent crime.
Immigration Benefit Targeted
The alleged scheme was designed to exploit the U Visa program, which provides temporary immigration status to victims of certain qualifying crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and who assist law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting criminal activity.
Officials say the suspects intended to use the staged robberies as evidence to support fraudulent applications for U Visa status.
Possible Penalties
If convicted, the charge of conspiracy to commit visa fraud carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison, along with three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing would ultimately be determined by a federal district court judge based on applicable U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and federal statutes.
Investigation and Prosecution
The charges were announced by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Division.
The investigation involved assistance from multiple agencies and law enforcement offices, including:
- U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Eastern District of New York, Western District of Washington, Northern District of Ohio, Eastern District of Missouri and Eastern District of Kentucky
- FBI field offices in New York, Seattle, Louisville, Cleveland and St. Louis
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO)
- Massachusetts State Police
- Worcester County District Attorney’s Office
- Police departments in Boston, Dedham, Hingham, Malden, Marshfield, Randolph, Somerville, Weymouth, Worcester, Upper Darby (Pennsylvania), West Pittston (Pennsylvania), Louisville (Kentucky) and Bean Station (Tennessee)
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elianna J. Nuzum and Jessica L. Soto of the Criminal Division.
Presumption of Innocence
Authorities emphasized that the allegations contained in the charging documents are only accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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