Eleven Indian nationals have been charged in the United States over an alleged scheme to stage armed robberies at convenience stores so participants could falsely claim to be victims of violent crime when applying for immigration benefits.
Those charged include Jitendrakumar Patel, 39; Maheshkumar Patel, 36; Sanjaykumar Patel, 45; Amitabahen Patel, 43; Sangitaben Patel, 36; Mitul Patel, 40; Rameshbhai Patel, 52; Ronakkumar Patel, 28; Sonal Patel, 42; and Minkesh Patel, 42. Another defendant, Dipikaben Patel, 40, was previously deported to India.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigators arrested 10 people across several states while an 11th suspect, who had previously been deported to India, was also charged.
Authorities allege the group conspired to organise fake robberies at small businesses so store clerks could later apply for immigration protection available to crime victims.
US prosecutors say the alleged conspiracy involved staging robberies at convenience stores, liquor outlets and fast-food restaurants, primarily in Massachusetts, from March 2023.
During the incidents, a participant posing as a robber would threaten staff with what appeared to be a firearm before taking cash from the register and fleeing, actions that were captured on store surveillance cameras.
Investigators allege the staff involved would deliberately delay contacting police for several minutes to make the incidents appear genuine before reporting the crime.
Federal authorities claim the staged incidents were intended to support applications for a U nonimmigrant visa, commonly known as a U visa. The visa allows certain victims of serious crimes who have suffered physical or mental harm to remain in the United States if they assist law enforcement with investigations or prosecutions.
The defendants, all identified as members of the Patel family, are accused of either arranging the robberies with the alleged organiser or paying to participate themselves, or on behalf of relatives, as supposed victims.
Investigators allege participants paid the organiser to take part in the scheme, while store owners were also allegedly compensated for allowing their premises to be used.
Six of the accused were arrested in Massachusetts and appeared in federal court in Boston before being released pending further proceedings. Four others were arrested in Kentucky, Missouri and Ohio and are expected to appear in Boston at a later date.
The alleged organiser, the person who carried out the robberies and a getaway driver have already been charged and convicted in connection with the operation, according to prosecutors.
Each of the newly charged defendants faces one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, supervised release and a fine of up to US$250,000 if convicted.
The investigation involved multiple US federal agencies and local law enforcement departments across several states. Prosecutors emphasised that the allegations remain unproven and that all defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in court.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
