An Indian national living unlawfully in New York was sentenced in Boston federal court for his role in a visa fraud conspiracy involving staged armed robberies. Rambhai Patel, 38, received a sentence of 20 months and eight days in prison, followed by two years of supervised release and the forfeiture of $850,000. After serving his sentence, Patel will be subject to deportation.
Patel pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud. He was charged alongside co-conspirator Balwinder Singh in December 2023.
According to prosecutors, beginning in March 2023, Patel and Singh organized at least 18 staged armed robberies at convenience stores, liquor stores, and fast-food restaurants across the United States. At least five incidents occurred in Massachusetts. The goal was to help store clerks claim they were victims of violent crimes on applications for U nonimmigrant status (U Visa), which is available to certain crime victims who assist law enforcement.
During these incidents, the “robber” would threaten store employees with what appeared to be a firearm before taking cash from the register while being recorded by surveillance cameras. Store clerks or owners waited several minutes after the “robbery” before contacting police. Those posing as victims paid Patel for participation; one individual paid $20,000 to take part as a victim. Store owners were also compensated for allowing their businesses to be used for the scheme. Patel reportedly earned approximately $850,000 through this operation.
At least two individuals submitted U Visa applications based on their involvement as purported victims in these staged crimes.
Singh pleaded guilty in May 2025 and is scheduled for sentencing on September 24, 2025.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley stated: “United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement.” The investigation involved multiple agencies including the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of New York and Western District of Washington; FBI field offices in New York and Seattle; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; state police; district attorney’s offices; and local police departments across several states.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elianna J. Nuzum and Jessica L. Soto are prosecuting the case.
