Ten Indian nationals indicted in US over staged robberies linked to visa fraud scheme

Ten Indian nationals have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly taking part in a conspiracy to commit visa fraud by staging robberies at convenience stores so participants could falsely claim immigration benefits in the United States.

According to the US Department of Justice, the defendants were earlier charged through a criminal complaint in March 2026 and released under conditions before the grand jury returned the indictment. Authorities said most of them were living unlawfully in the United States and could face deportation after serving any sentence.

The accused are Jitendrakumar Patel, 39; Maheshkumar Patel, 36; Sanjaykumar Patel, 45; Dipikaben Patel, 40; Rameshbhai Patel, 52; Amitabahen Patel, 43; Ronakkumar Patel, 28; Sangitaben Patel, 36; Minkesh Patel, 42; and Sonal Patel, 42. Dipikaben Patel has already been deported to India, while Rameshbhai Patel and Ronakkumar Patel have been taken into immigration custody . Investigators noted that an earlier complaint had named 11 individuals , but only ten were included in the latest indictment.

The case stems from an investigation into Rambhai Patel , who allegedly organised the scheme, and Balwinder Singh, the getaway driver. Both men were charged in December 2023 and convicted in May 2025 for orchestrating the operation.

Prosecutors say that beginning in March 2023, the group staged armed robberies at convenience stores, liquor outlets and fast-food restaurants in Massachusetts and nearby areas. During these incidents, a person posing as a robber allegedly threatened employees with what appeared to be a firearm, took cash from the register and fled while surveillance cameras recorded the event. Clerks would then wait several minutes before contacting police to report the crime.

Authorities allege participants paid the organiser to take part so they could apply for U non-immigrant status, or U visas , which are meant for victims of certain crimes who assist law enforcement.

If convicted, the defendants face up to five years in prison , supervised release and fines, and are subject to deportation after completing any sentence .