Indian Pleads Guilty To Visa Scam, Staging Armed Robberies Across US

Photo: Wikipedia/Representational

Boston, MA — May 21, 2025

BOSTON, MA – An Indian national living in New York has pleaded guilty in federal court here for his role in a conspiracy that involved staging armed robberies to help individuals fraudulently obtain U.S. visas.

Rambhai Patel, 37, originally from India, admitted to conspiracy to commit visa fraud during a hearing before U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun. Sentencing is scheduled for August 20, 2025. Patel was indicted in December 2023 along with a co-conspirator, who is scheduled to plead guilty on May 22.

Federal prosecutors allege that beginning in March 2023, Patel orchestrated at least nine staged armed robberies across the United States—including five in Massachusetts—targeting convenience stores, liquor shops, and fast-food outlets. The goal: to falsely portray store clerks as victims of violent crimes, making them eligible for U nonimmigrant visas, which are reserved for crime victims who have suffered abuse and assist law enforcement in investigations.

According to court documents, Patel and his accomplice paid store owners to use their premises for the fake robberies. During each incident, a mock robber brandished what appeared to be a firearm, stole money from the cash register, and fled the scene—actions all recorded on surveillance cameras. Store clerks were instructed to delay calling police to make the event appear more credible.

Prosecutors revealed that some participants paid as much as $20,000 to be portrayed as victims. At least two individuals involved later submitted U Visa applications based on the staged incidents.

Patel now faces up to five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and the possibility of deportation following any sentence imposed. The case highlights a growing concern among U.S. authorities about visa fraud schemes exploiting legal pathways meant to protect genuine victims of crime.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized that sentencing will be determined based on federal guidelines and the severity of Patel’s conduct.