11 Indians Charged In US Visa Fraud

Prosecutors allege staged robberies were used to claim special immigration benefits

March 14, 2026: Federal prosecutors in the United States have charged eleven Indian nationals in an alleged scheme involving staged armed robberies to obtain immigration benefits. The case was announced by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, which said ten of the accused have already been arrested. Each defendant faces a charge of conspiracy to commit visa fraud, with court proceedings expected to take place in Boston.

According to investigators, the scheme began in March 2023 and involved staging at least six robberies at convenience stores, liquor outlets and fast-food locations across Massachusetts. Prosecutors allege a person posing as a robber would enter the store, display what appeared to be a firearm, demand cash and leave, while the incident was recorded on surveillance cameras. Authorities claim some participants allegedly paid an organiser, identified as Rambhai Patel, and store owners were also compensated for allowing their premises to be used for the staged crimes.

Officials said the alleged purpose was to create documentation showing store clerks as victims of violent crime so they could apply for U visa, which is intended for victims who assist law enforcement. If convicted, the accused could face up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and fines of up to $250,000. The investigation involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation and several local police departments, while prosecutors emphasised that the charges remain allegations until proven in court.