Eleven Indian nationals have been arrested in the United States for allegedly staging fake armed robberies in an attempt to qualify for immigration benefits under a special visa program meant for crime victims.
Federal investigators say the group is accused of organizing staged robberies at businesses in order to allow individuals involved to claim they were victims of serious crimes, a key requirement for obtaining the U Visa. Authorities have charged the suspects with conspiracy to commit visa fraud.
According to investigators, the incidents were carefully planned and carried out at locations including convenience stores, liquor shops and fast-food restaurants. Officials allege that at least six staged robberies took place as part of the scheme.
In the alleged operation, one person would enter a business pretending to be an armed robber while displaying an object that appeared to be a firearm. The individual would take cash from the counter before leaving the scene, with the entire event recorded by security cameras to make the incident appear genuine.
Authorities say the participants intentionally delayed calling police for several minutes after the incident, allowing the fake robber time to leave the area and making the event appear more realistic.
Investigators also allege that individuals paid money to take part in the staged robberies so they could later present themselves as victims when applying for immigration benefits. The alleged organizer is accused of collecting payments and distributing funds to shop owners to help facilitate the staged incidents.
Six of the accused — Jitendrakumar Patel, Maheshkumar Patel, Sanjaykumar Patel, Amitabahen Patel, Sangitaben Patel and Mitul Patel — were arrested in Massachusetts and later appeared in federal court in Boston. Several others, including Rameshbhai Patel, Ronakkumar Patel, Sonal Patel and Minkesh Patel, were arrested in other states including Kentucky, Missouri and Ohio and are expected to appear in Boston federal court at a later date.
Authorities say the case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with immigration authorities and local law enforcement agencies from several states.
Under U.S. law, individuals convicted of conspiracy to commit visa fraud could face penalties of up to five years in prison, along with supervised release and fines that may reach $250,000.
Officials stressed that the charges remain allegations at this stage and that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.