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Ten Indian nationals indicted in visa fraud scheme
Federal indictment alleges staged robberies used to falsely claim victim status for immigration benefits
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Pranavi Sharma - Fri, 10, Apr 2026
- 00:00 EDT
- 20
US flag and Judge gavel are seen in this illustration taken, August 6, 2024. / REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/ File Photo
Ten Indian nationals have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly participating in a conspiracy to stage armed robberies so store clerks could fraudulently apply for immigration benefits, federal prosecutors said April 9.
The defendants are Jitendrakumar Patel, 39, of Marshfield, Massachusetts; Maheshkumar Patel, 36, of Randolph, Massachusetts; Sanjaykumar Patel, 45, of Quincy, Massachusetts; Dipikaben Patel, 40, formerly of Weymouth, Massachusetts; Rameshbhai Patel, 52, of Eubank, Kentucky; Amitabahen Patel, 43, of Plainville, Massachusetts; Ronakkumar Patel, 28, of Maryland Heights, Missouri; Sangitaben Patel, 36, of Randolph, Massachusetts; Minkesh Patel, 42, of Perrysburg, Ohio; and Sonal Patel, 42, of Perrysburg, Ohio.
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All 10 were previously charged by criminal complaint in March 2026 and released on conditions. Authorities said Rameshbhai Patel and Ronakkumar Patel are now in immigration custody. The defendants face deportation after any sentence imposed.
Prosecutors allege the scheme began in March 2023 and involved staged robberies at at least six convenience stores, liquor stores and fast food restaurants in Massachusetts and elsewhere. The goal, according to charging documents, was to allow participants to falsely claim they were victims of violent crimes when applying for U non-immigrant status, commonly known as a U visa.
A U visa is available to victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and who assist law enforcement in investigations or prosecutions.
According to investigators, a participant acting as the “robber” would threaten store clerks or owners with what appeared to be a firearm, take cash from the register and flee. The incidents were captured on store surveillance video. Clerks and owners allegedly waited several minutes before reporting the crimes to police.
Authorities said those posing as victims paid organizer Rambhai Patel to take part in the scheme, while store owners were also paid for allowing their locations to be used.
Rambhai Patel, identified as the organizer, along with the alleged “robber” and getaway driver Balwinder Singh, were charged in December 2023 and later convicted in May 2025.
The newly indicted defendants are accused of either arranging the staged robberies or paying to participate as victims for themselves or family members.
Each faces a charge of conspiracy to commit visa fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.
Federal officials emphasized that the allegations remain unproven. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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