BOSTON — An Indian national residing in New York has pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit visa fraud by orchestrating fake armed robberies across multiple states, including Massachusetts, federal prosecutors announced.
Rambhai Patel, 37, admitted to one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud in a scheme designed to exploit the U.S. immigration system. U.S. District Judge Myong J. Joun scheduled sentencing for Aug. 20, 2025. Patel was initially charged in December 2023 alongside co-conspirator Balwinder Singh, another Indian national living in New York.
Staged Robberies for U Visa Fraud
From March 2023 onward, Patel and Singh staged at least nine armed robberies at convenience stores, liquor stores, and fast-food restaurants—five of which were in Massachusetts. The scheme aimed to help store clerks fraudulently apply for U nonimmigrant status (U Visa), which is reserved for victims of violent crimes who assist law enforcement.
During the fake robberies, an accomplice—brandishing what appeared to be a firearm—would threaten clerks, steal cash from registers, and flee while surveillance cameras recorded the scenes. Clerks waited several minutes before reporting the incidents to police. Investigators said the “victims” paid Patel to participate, with one individual allegedly paying $20,000. Patel, in turn, compensated store owners for using their businesses in the scheme.
At least two co-conspirators submitted U Visa applications based on the staged crimes. Singh pleaded guilty on May 22, 2025, and faces sentencing on Sept. 11, 2025.
Legal Consequences
Visa fraud conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Patel could also face deportation after serving his sentence.
Investigation and Prosecution
The case was announced by U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley and FBI Boston’s Acting Special Agent in Charge Kimberly Milka. Assistance was provided by multiple agencies, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the FBI’s New York and Seattle offices, Massachusetts State Police, and local police departments across five states.
USCIS emphasized its commitment to combating immigration fraud. Suspected fraud can be reported through the agency’s online tip form.
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