New York: Federal prosecutors have charged 11 Indian nationals living illegally in the US with visa fraud for staging armed robberies at convenience stores. The scheme aimed to help store clerks fake crime victim status to snag U visas and eventual Green Cards, according to the US Department of Justice.
The accused are Jitendrakumar Patel, 39; Maheshkumar Patel, 36; Sanjaykumar Patel, 45; Dipikaben Patel, 40; Rameshbhai Patel, 52; Amitabahen Patel, 43; Ronakkumar Patel, 28; Sangitaben Patel, 36; Minkesh Patel, 42; Sonal Patel, 42; and Mitul Patel, 40. Each faces one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud. They lived unlawfully in states like Massachusetts, Kentucky, Ohio, and Missouri.
Dipikaben Patel was deported to India after staying illegally in Weymouth, Massachusetts, the Justice Department said in a statement, PTI reported, as published by the Hindu.
Jitendrakumar, Maheshkumar, Sanjaykumar, Amitabahen, Sangitaben, and Mitul Patel were arrested in Massachusetts. They appeared in federal court in Boston on Friday and were released.
Rameshbhai, Ronakkumar, Sonal, and Minkesh Patel were nabbed in Kentucky, Missouri, and Ohio. They will face Boston federal court later.
According to the charging documents, in March 2023, Rameshbhai Patel and others staged at least six robberies at convenience stores, liquor shops, and fast-food spots in Massachusetts and beyond. A “robber” would wave what looked like a gun, grab cash from the register — caught on surveillance video — and flee. Clerks or owners waited over five minutes before calling police to report the “crime.”
Reason: Fake U visa applications claiming violent crime victimization. U visas go to crime victims who suffer mental or physical harm and help police. They are offered work permits and a Green Card path in 5–10 years.
“Victims” paid Rameshbhai to join the plot, the documents allege. He paid store owners to use their locations. Rameshbhai — the main “robber” — and a getaway driver were already charged and convicted.
The 11 who were charged on Friday either set up the robberies or paid for themselves or family as fake victims, according to prosecutors.
Conviction carries up to five years in prison, three years supervised release, and $250,000 fines.
