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Eleven Indian nationals face charges in the U.S. over a conspiracy involving visa fraud and staged robberies designed to falsely claim victim status on immigration applications. The scheme aimed to help participants qualify for a U non-immigrant visa, which is issued to victims of certain crimes who have endured physical or emotional harm and assisted law enforcement in criminal investigations.
Prosecutors allege that in March 2023, Patel and his co-conspirators orchestrated and executed fake armed robberies at at least six stores, including convenience stores, liquor outlets, and fast-food restaurants across Massachusetts and other locations. During these staged incidents, the “robber” would threaten store employees or owners with what appeared to be a firearm, take cash from registers, and then flee. These events were recorded on store surveillance footage.
Following the robberies, clerks and owners allegedly waited over five minutes before calling the police, giving the impression of a real crime. Each victim reportedly paid Patel to participate in these schemes, while he paid store owners for permission to use their locations in the staged robberies.
The authorities confirmed that Patel, the “robber,” and the getaway driver had prior charges and convictions. The current charges involve the eleven defendants either conspiring with the leader to carry out the robberies or paying to participate as “victims” or perpetrators.
Those facing conspiracy charges include:
– Jitendrakumar Patel, 39, residing unlawfully in Marshfield, MA
– Maheshkumar Patel, 36, residing unlawfully in Randolph, MA
– Sanjaykumar Patel, 45, residing unlawfully in Quincy, MA
– Dipikaben Patel, 40, deported to India after residing unlawfully in Weymouth, MA
– Rameshbhai Patel, 52, residing unlawfully in Eubank, KY
– Amitabahen Patel, 43, residing unlawfully in Plainville, MA
– Ronakkumar Patel, 28, residing unlawfully in Maryland Heights, MO
– Sangitaben Patel, 36, residing unlawfully in Randolph, MA
– Minkesh Patel, 42, residing unlawfully in Perrysburg, OH
– Sonal Patel, 42, residing unlawfully in Perrysburg, OH
– Mitul Patel, 40, residing unlawfully in Worcester, MA
Some of these individuals—Jitendrakumar, Maheshkumar, Sanjaykumar, Amitabahen, Sangitaben, and Mitul Patel—were arrested in Massachusetts and released after initial court appearances. Others—Rameshbhai, Ronakkumar, Sonal, and Minkesh Patel—were taken into custody in Kentucky, Missouri, and Ohio, and are scheduled for future court dates in Boston.
The charge of conspiracy to commit visa fraud carries potential penalties of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. The case was announced by U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley and FBI Special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks. The authorities emphasized that all charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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