Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Mar 14: The Federal Bureau of Investigation on Friday arrested 10 Indian nationals across four states in the United States for allegedly participating in staged armed robberies as part of a visa fraud scheme.

According to the FBI, the accused allegedly took part in fake robberies designed to help the supposed “victims” claim immigration benefits under the U visa programme. The visa is meant for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and assist law enforcement authorities in investigations.

Authorities said a total of 11 Indian nationals were charged in connection with the scheme. Ten suspects were arrested in the United States, while the eleventh accused was charged and deported to India.

Investigators said the staged robberies took place from 2023 onwards at several convenience stores, liquor shops and fast-food outlets in Massachusetts. During the incidents, a “robber” would threaten store clerks or owners with a firearm, take cash from the register and flee, with the entire act recorded on store surveillance cameras.

The clerks or store owners would reportedly wait for several minutes before informing police, allowing the suspects to escape and making the incidents appear genuine.

The FBI later determined that the robberies were orchestrated by Rambhai Patel and his accomplices. Authorities said the so-called victims allegedly paid Patel to participate in the scheme, while store owners were also compensated for allowing their premises to be used for the staged robberies.

Officials said the plan was designed to portray the participants as victims of violent crime, enabling them to apply for U non-immigrant status.

Those arrested include Jitendrakumar Patel, Maheshkumar Patel, Sanjaykumar Patel, Amitabahen Patel, Sangitaben Patel and Mitul Patel in Massachusetts, who appeared before a court in Boston and were later released after their initial hearing.

Meanwhile, Rameshbhai Patel, Ronakkumar Patel, Sonal Patel and Minkesh Patel were arrested in Kentucky, Missouri and Ohio and are expected to appear before a federal court in Boston.

Authorities added that Rambhai Patel, who allegedly acted as the “robber,” and a getaway driver had earlier been charged and convicted.

The accused face charges of conspiracy to commit visa fraud, which carries a possible sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, officials said.