Leah B. Foley United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | Department of Justice
Eleven Indian nationals have been charged with conspiracy to commit visa fraud related to staged armed robberies of convenience stores, according to a March 10 announcement by federal authorities in Boston.
The case involves allegations that the defendants participated in or arranged fake robberies so that store clerks could falsely claim they were victims of violent crimes on immigration applications for U non-immigration status, also known as U Visas. A U Visa is available to victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and have assisted law enforcement in investigations or prosecutions.
According to charging documents, the scheme began in March 2023 and involved at least six staged robberies at convenience stores and fast food restaurants in Massachusetts, with additional incidents elsewhere. During these events, an individual would threaten clerks or owners with what appeared to be a firearm before taking cash from the register and fleeing. The interactions were recorded on surveillance video. Clerks reportedly waited several minutes after the staged event before contacting police. Authorities allege that participants paid Jitendrakumar Patel, one of the accused organizers, for involvement in the scheme, while Patel allegedly compensated store owners for use of their premises.
Six defendants were arrested and released following initial appearances in federal court in Boston. Four others were arrested and appeared before courts in Kentucky, Missouri, and Ohio; they are expected to appear later in Boston. Another individual was previously deported to India after residing unlawfully in Massachusetts. The individuals charged today are alleged either to have arranged with organizers for each robbery or paid for themselves or family members to participate as "victims." Patel, along with the person acting as "robber" and a getaway driver, had already been convicted on related charges.
If convicted of conspiracy to commit visa fraud, each defendant faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley said valuable assistance was provided by multiple U.S. Attorney’s Offices across several states as well as various FBI field offices and local law enforcement agencies during the investigation.
