Ten Indian Nationals Indicted for Visa Fraud

Ten Indian nationals, including Jitendrakumar Patel, Maheshkumar Patel, Sanjaykumar Patel, Dipikaben Patel, Rameshbhai Patel, Amitabahen Patel, Ronakkumar Patel, Sangitaben Patel, Minkesh Patel, and Sonal Patel, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston, United States, for conspiracy to commit visa fraud. The scheme involved staging armed robberies at convenience stores and fast-food restaurants in Massachusetts and other locations. The purpose was to allow store clerks to falsely claim victim status on U Visa applications, which are available to victims of certain crimes who cooperate with law enforcement. Rameshbhai Patel was identified as the organizer of the scheme, and Amarinder Singh as the getaway driver; both were charged in December 2023 and convicted in May 2025. The indicted individuals allegedly either arranged with Rameshbhai Patel to set up robberies or paid to participate as 'victims'. The United States — Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States — United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and United States — United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement were involved in the investigation. The defendants face up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and deportation upon completion of any sentence.