NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Boston, MA, April 11, 2026: Ten Indian nationals have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly taking part in a scheme to stage armed robberies at convenience stores so that individuals could falsely claim to be crime victims and apply for U.S. immigration benefits.
According to federal prosecutors, the defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud. They were previously charged in March 2026 through criminal complaints and have since been released on conditions, although two of them are now in immigration custody. All face possible deportation after any sentence is served.
Those indicted include Jitendrakumar Patel, Maheshkumar Patel, Sanjaykumar Patel, Dipikaben Patel, Rameshbhai Patel, Amitabahen Patel, Ronakkumar Patel, Sangitaben Patel, Minkesh Patel, and Sonal Patel. Authorities said most of the individuals were living in the United States without legal status at the time.
Prosecutors allege that the scheme began around March 2023 and was organized by Rambhai Patel, who, along with an associate, Balwinder Singh, was convicted in May 2025. Investigators say the group carried out staged robberies at least six times at convenience stores, liquor stores, and fast-food restaurants in Massachusetts and other locations.
According to charging documents, the robberies were carefully planned. A person posing as a robber would enter a store, threaten clerks or owners with what appeared to be a firearm, and take cash from the register. The incidents were captured on surveillance cameras to make them appear real. After the “robber” fled, the store employees would reportedly wait several minutes before calling police to report the crime.
Authorities say the purpose of these staged incidents was to allow participants to apply for a U visa, a form of immigration relief available to victims of certain crimes who assist law enforcement. Prosecutors allege that individuals paid Rambhai Patel to take part in the scheme as supposed victims, while store owners were also paid to allow their businesses to be used for the fake robberies.
The newly indicted defendants are accused of either arranging these staged incidents or paying for themselves or family members to be listed as victims in immigration applications.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to five years in prison, along with fines and supervised release. They may also be deported after completing their sentences.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley and FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks announced the indictments, noting that multiple federal and local agencies assisted in the investigation.
Federal officials emphasized that the charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
