ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Indian man admits visa fraud conspiracy in US
Mitul Patel paid Rambhai Patel so that he could participate as a “victim” in a staged armed robbery of a store in 2023.
-
Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Thu, 25, Jun 2026
- 04:42 EDT
- 40
Representative image / Pexels
A 40-year-old Indian man, Mitul Patel, illegally residing in Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit visa fraud charges on June 24 in a Boston Federal Court.
Patel admitted to being involved in a conspiracy to conduct staged armed robberies of convenience stores for the purpose of allowing store clerks to falsely claim they were crime victims on immigration applications.
Mitul Patel paid Rambhai Patel so that he could participate as a “victim” in a staged armed robbery of a store in 2023.
According to court documents, starting in March 2023, Rambhai Patel and his associates allegedly organized fake armed robberies at convenience stores, liquor stores, and fast-food restaurants in Massachusetts and other locations.
The scheme was designed to help store clerks falsely claim they were victims of violent crimes and qualify for U-1 nonimmigrant visas, which are intended for crime victims who assist law enforcement.
Also Read: Indian Driver Arrested in 60-Kilo Cocaine Bust
Prosecutors allege that during the staged robberies, a fake robber threatened workers with what appeared to be a gun, took cash from the register, and fled while surveillance cameras recorded the incident.
The clerks would then report the crime to police and later use the incident to support U Visa applications. Authorities claim participants paid Patel to arrange the robberies, and Patel in turn paid store owners to use their businesses for the scheme.
The organizer Rambhai Patel, the “robber,” and the getaway driver Balwinder Singh were previously charged and later convicted in May 2025.
The charge of conspiracy to commit visa fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.
Additionally, Mitul Patel will likely be deported after incarceration.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login