An Indian national residing in New York has pleaded guilty to participating in a visa fraud conspiracy involving staged armed robberies. Rambhai Patel, 37, entered his plea in federal court in Boston on one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun has scheduled sentencing for August 20, 2025.
Patel was charged in December 2023 along with a co-conspirator for their roles in the scheme that began in March 2023. The pair orchestrated at least nine staged armed robberies across the United States, including five incidents in Massachusetts. These robberies were intended to enable store clerks to falsely claim they were victims of violent crimes when applying for U nonimmigrant status (U Visa). This visa is designed for victims of certain crimes who have suffered abuse and assisted law enforcement.
During these staged events, a "robber" would simulate threatening store clerks or owners with an apparent firearm before taking cash and fleeing while being recorded by surveillance cameras. The clerks or owners would delay calling the police until after the "robber" had left the scene. Participants paid Patel to be involved in this scheme; one individual reportedly paid $20,000 to appear as a victim. In turn, Patel compensated store owners for allowing their establishments to be used.
At least two co-conspirators filed U Visa applications based on their alleged victimization during these fake robberies.
Another individual involved, Singh, is expected to plead guilty on May 22, 2025.
The charge carries potential penalties of up to five years imprisonment, three years supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Deportation may follow any sentence served. Sentences are determined by federal district court judges following U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and applicable statutes.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Kimberly Milka from the FBI's Boston Division. Various agencies contributed to the investigation including multiple U.S. Attorney’s Offices, FBI Field Offices from New York and Seattle, USCIS, Massachusetts State Police among others.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elianna J. Nuzum and Jessica L. Soto are prosecuting this case.
All details within charging documents remain allegations until proven beyond reasonable doubt in court against any remaining defendants who are presumed innocent at this stage.
