Indian National Sentenced for Visa Fraud Conspiracy

Strategic Insights -

An Indian national, Rambhai Patel, 37, has been sentenced to 20 months and eight days in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release, and forfeiture of $850,000, for staging armed robberies as part of a visa fraud conspiracy. Patel, residing in New York, used the staged robberies to allow store clerks to claim they were victims of a violent crime, in order to apply for a U nonimmigrant status (U visa). U visas are available to victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and have been helpful to law enforcement. Patel earned approximately $850,000 in the scheme, all of which he is required to forfeit.

Key Takeaways:

  • An Indian national, Rambhai Patel, was sentenced to 20 months and eight days in prison for staging armed robberies as part of a visa fraud conspiracy.
  • Patel's scheme involved setting up and carrying out staged armed robberies of at least 18 convenience or liquor stores and fast-food restaurants across the United States, including at least five in Massachusetts.
  • The purpose of the staged robberies was to allow the store clerks to claim they were victims of a violent crime on an application for a U nonimmigrant status (U visa).
  • At least two purported victim co-conspirators submitted U Visa applications based on being victims of the staged armed robberies.
  • Patel paid the store owners for the use of their stores for the staged robbery and earned approximately $850,000 in the scheme.
  • Patel is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence.
  • Patel's co-conspirator, Balwinder Singh, pleaded guilty in May 2025 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 24, 2025.
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provided valuable assistance to the investigation in this case.
  • USCIS and other law enforcement agencies have made protections against immigration benefit fraud a priority.

Statistics:

  • At least 18 convenience or liquor stores and fast-food restaurants were targeted in staged armed robberies across the United States.
  • At least 5 of the staged armed robberies occurred in Massachusetts.
  • Patel earned approximately $850,000 in the visa fraud scheme.
  • Patel paid store owners for the use of their stores for the staged robberies.
  • 2 U Visa applications were submitted based on being victims of the staged armed robberies.

Sources:

  • "Indian National Sentenced for Visa Fraud Conspiracy." U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, August 23, 2025, uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/indian-national-sentenced-for-visa-fraud-conspiracy.
  • U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts.