11 Indian nationals arrested in US for staging fake robberies, 'visa fraud' conspiracy

A U-Visa is granted to individuals who have been victims of serious crimes and who cooperate with law enforcement investigations. (Representative photo)

• 11 Indians in US arrested for faking robberies for U-Visas
• Suspect linked to six robberies in Massachusetts and beyond
• Penalties include up to five years prison and $250,000 fines

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Eleven Indian nationals, living illegally in the US, have been arrested for visa fraud as they allegedly conspired to carry out staged armed robberies at convenience stores to obtain immigration benefits.

According to US federal investigators, the group staged fake robberies at various businesses, enabling the store clerks to falsely claim they were crime victims on immigration applications, a key requirement for securing a U-Visa.

A "U-Visa" is granted to individuals who have been victims of serious crimes and who cooperate with law enforcement investigations. The U-visa offers an immigrant work authorisation and a path to a Green Card within five to 10 years.

Federal agencies said the accused orchestrated at least six staged robberies at convenience stores, liquor shops, and fast-food restaurants in Massachusetts and elsewhere.

Detailing the modus operandi of the accused, the investigators said one person would assume the role of a fake robber, entering the shop while brandishing an object resembling a firearm. The “robber” would threaten store clerks or the owners before taking cash from the register and fleeing. They would ensure the entire incident was captured in the CCTV cameras to ensure it appeared to be a genuine crime.

Investigation by the federal agencies also revealed the clerks or the store owners would then wait five or more minutes until the “robber” had escaped before calling the police to report the “crime.”

According to the investigators, the “victims” are alleged to have each paid one of the accused, identified as Rameshbhai Patel, to participate in the scheme. In turn, Rameshbhai allegedly paid the store owners for the use of their stores for the staged robbery.

Apart from Rameshbhai Patel, the 10 others who have been arrested include Jitendrakumar Patel, Maheshkumar Patel, Sanjaykumar Patel, Amitabahen Patel, Sangitaben Patel,  Mitul Patel, Ronakkumar Patel, Sonal Patel and Minkesh Patel.

Investigators said the accused were living unlawfully in various US states such as Massachusetts, Kentucky and Ohio and have been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud.

Jitendrakumar, Maheshkumar, Sanjaykumar, Amitabahen, Sangitaben and Mitul were arrested in Massachusetts and released following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston on Friday.

Rameshbhai, Ronakkumar, Sonal and Minkesh were arrested and made their initial appearances in Kentucky, Missouri and Ohio. They will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.

Under the US law, if a conspiracy involving visa fraud was proven, the accused face penalties ranging from up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and fines of up to $250,000.

The operation was conducted through the collaborative efforts of the FBI, the Department of Immigration and law enforcement agencies from several states.