Indian in US sentenced for visa fraud conspiracy, faces deportation

An Indian residing in New York has been sentenced for orchestrating a visa fraud scheme involving staged armed robberies across the United States. Rambhai Patel, 37, was handed a prison term of 20 months and eight days, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to forfeit $850,000. He is also subject to deportation after serving his sentence, US Citizenship and Immigration Services ( USCIS) stated in the official statement.

Patel pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud. He was charged in December 2023 alongside co-conspirator Balwinder Singh, who is scheduled for sentencing on September 24, 2025.

Starting in March 2023, Patel and Singh staged at least 18 armed robberies at convenience stores, liquor shops, and fast-food outlets, including five in Massachusetts. The plan allowed store clerks and owners to pose as victims of violent crime on applications for U nonimmigrant status, or U visas, which are reserved for victims of specific crimes who assist law enforcement.

During these staged robberies, the “robber” threatened employees with a firearm and took cash while being recorded on surveillance cameras. The “victims” would wait several minutes before reporting the crime to the police. Some participants paid Patel thousands of dollars to be part of the scheme, including one individual who paid $20,000. Patel in turn compensated store owners for the use of their premises.

According to US Attorney Leah B. Foley, Patel earned about $850,000 through the scheme, all of which must be forfeited. At least two co-conspirators successfully submitted U visa applications based on these staged incidents.

The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the FBI Boston, New York, and Seattle Field Offices, USCIS, Massachusetts State Police, and police departments in several states. Assistant US Attorneys Elianna J. Nuzum and Jessica L. Soto prosecuted the case. Special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks said, “Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by all participating law enforcement agencies.”