In Massachusetts, federal prosecutors have charged ten individuals from India in a visa fraud scheme. Authorities claim this group orchestrated armed robberies at convenience stores and fast-food outlets, enabling store clerks to falsely identify as victims of violent crime, thus seeking immigration advantages.
On Thursday, the Justice Department announced that a federal grand jury in Massachusetts indicted the alleged conspirators. Prosecutors assert that the operation centered on staged robberies, with participants reportedly paying to be acknowledged as “victims” in U visa applications.
The indicted individuals include:
Jitendrakumar Patel
Maheshkumar Patel
Sanjaykumar Patel
Dipikaben Patel
Rameshbhai Patel
Amitabahen Patel
Ronakkumar Patel
Sangitaben Patel
Minkesh Patel
Sonal Patel
According to officials, in March 2023, Rambhai Patel and his associates orchestrated at least six staged armed robberies at convenience stores and fast food locations in Massachusetts and beyond. The intention was for clerks to falsely assert they suffered violent crimes, which would facilitate applications for U non-immigration status (U Visa).
🚨 JUST IN: Names released of the nearly dozen Indian illegal aliens FEDERALLY indicted for conspiracy to commit visa fraud
Jitendrakumar Patel
Maheshkumar Patel
Sanjaykumar Patel
Dipikaben Patel
Rameshbhai Patel
Amitabahen Patel
Ronakkumar Patel
Sangitaben Patel… pic.twitter.com/KEhZPeRB90— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 10, 2026
The U visa program aims to support genuine victims of serious crimes who assist law enforcement. However, federal authorities argue that the defendants exploited this system by fabricating crime scenes and manipulating the process to achieve immigration status.
Rambhai Patel, said to be the main organizer, along with the alleged shooter and getaway driver, have already faced legal action. Reports indicate they were convicted in May 2025.
In total, ten individuals have been indicted, accused of either aiding Rambhai Patel in organizing the robberies or compensating themselves or family members to take part as alleged “victims.”
If found guilty, these defendants could face sentences of up to five years. Additionally, the Justice Department noted that post-sentencing, they might also be subject to deportation.
This indictment highlights ongoing federal efforts to combat what authorities define as organized immigration fraud, with claims that the perpetrators turned a public safety initiative into a pay-for-play scheme.
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