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The FBI has apprehended ten Indian nationals across various states in the U.S. in connection with a purported scheme involving staged armed robberies. These robberies were allegedly orchestrated to assist individuals in claiming immigration benefits under the U visa program. In total, 11 individuals are facing charges related to this operation, with ten arrested in the U.S. and one charged and subsequently deported to India.

According to investigators, the group is accused of executing fake armed robberies at convenience stores, liquor outlets, and fast-food establishments, starting in Massachusetts in 2023. The staged incidents allowed certain individuals to falsely claim victim status for violent crimes, which is a prerequisite for applying for a U non-immigrant visa.

The U visa program is designed to provide immigration relief to victims of specific crimes who endure mental or physical harm and assist law enforcement in their inquiries. Authorities revealed that the suspects created fraudulent crime reports through these staged robberies. During these events, an individual posing as a robber would threaten store employees with a firearm and steal cash from the register.

These incidents were made to appear genuine and were recorded by store surveillance systems. Investigators noted that the so-called victims would wait several minutes before alerting the police, allowing the supposed robber to escape. The FBI indicated that each robbery followed a similar pattern, with the robber threatening staff and fleeing with cash while being filmed.

Authorities later determined that these incidents were premeditated, led by Rambhai Patel and several accomplices. Individuals seeking to claim victim status reportedly paid Patel to orchestrate the robberies, while some store owners received compensation for permitting their businesses to be used in these staged crimes.

The FBI reported the arrests of Jitendrakumar Patel, Maheshkumar Patel, Sanjaykumar Patel, Amitabahen Patel, Sangitaben Patel, and Mitul Patel in Massachusetts. They appeared in a Boston court and were released following their initial hearings. Additionally, Rameshbhai Patel, Ronakkumar Patel, Sonal Patel, and Minkesh Patel were apprehended in Kentucky, Missouri, and Ohio, with plans to appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.

Rambhai Patel, who played the role of the robber, along with a getaway driver, has already faced charges and been convicted. The suspects are charged with conspiracy to commit visa fraud, which could lead to a maximum of five years in prison if convicted. The charges also include up to three years of supervised release and fines that may reach $250,000. The investigation has revealed a network exploiting immigration regulations through these staged crimes, and the case will proceed in federal court.