Federal authorities have charged 11 Indian nationals in connection with a scheme involving staged armed robberies at various convenience stores and restaurants. The purpose? To falsely present themselves as crime victims when applying for immigration benefits.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, these individuals face conspiracy charges related to visa fraud. The alleged plan revolved around orchestrating fake heists to help clerks and store owners secure U visas—meant for victims of serious crimes who cooperate with law enforcement.
Six of the defendants were taken into custody in Massachusetts and later released after initial court appearances in Boston. Others were apprehended in states like Kentucky, Missouri, and Ohio, and they are expected to appear in Boston courts as well.
Interestingly, one of the defendants had already been deported back to India, as noted by authorities.
This alleged conspiracy reportedly started in March 2023 and involved at least six stores, including convenience stores and fast-food outlets, mostly in Massachusetts but with incidents occurring in other locations too. Investigators explained that the robberies followed a specific script: a person pretending to be a robber enters a store, threatens staff with what appears to be a weapon, takes cash, and then flees.
Surveillance footage from the stores played a crucial role in creating the illusion of a legitimate crime, according to prosecutors.
Interestingly, authorities mentioned that employees and store owners delayed calling the police for over five minutes, which gave the alleged robber ample time to escape, making the incident look more convincing.
It seems participants, who were presented as victims, paid the organizers to be included in this scheme. In return, the organizers allegedly compensated store owners for allowing their locations to be used for the staged incidents.
Currently, the alleged organizer and the individuals playing the roles of robber and getaway driver face charges and have been convicted. This week’s indictments accuse the 11 individuals of facilitating the robberies by coordinating with organizers and financially supporting their inclusion as supposed victims.
A conspiracy charge related to visa fraud can result in a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and may also include supervised release and significant fines, all of which would be determined by a federal judge.
From a release by the Massachusetts Department of Justice, the following individuals were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud:
- Jitendrakumar Patel, 39, residing illegally in Marshfield, Massachusetts.
- Maheshkumar Patel, 36, residing illegally in Randolph, Massachusetts.
- Sanjay Kumar Patel, 45, residing illegally in Quincy, Massachusetts.
- Dipikaben Patel, 40, previously deported to India after living illegally in Weymouth, Massachusetts.
- Rameshbhai Patel, 52, residing illegally in Eubank, Kentucky.
- Amitavahen Patel, 43, residing illegally in Plainville, Massachusetts.
- Ronakmar Patel, 28, residing illegally in Maryland Heights, Mississippi.
- Sangitaben Patel, 36, residing illegally in Randolph, Massachusetts.
- Minkesh Patel, 42, residing illegally in Perrysburg, Ohio.
- Sonal Patel, 42, residing illegally in Perrysburg, Ohio.
- Mitul Patel, 40, residing illegally in Worcester, Massachusetts.
