Authorities stated that the suspects are accused of coordinating fake robberies to enable store clerks to falsely assert they were crime victims on immigration applications in an effort to obtain a Green Card.
The individuals charged 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, Sonal Patel, 42, and Mitul Patel, 40, with a single count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud.
They were all residing unlawfully across various US states, including Massachusetts, Kentucky, and Ohio.
According to the Justice Department, Dipikaben was deported to India after living unlawfully in Weymouth, Massachusetts.
Jitendrakumar, Maheshkumar, Sanjaykumar, Amitabahen, Sangitaben, and Mitul were apprehended in Massachusetts and later released after an initial court appearance in federal court in Boston on Friday (March 13).
Rameshbhai, Ronakkumar, Sonal, and Minkesh were arrested in their respective states and made initial appearances in Kentucky, Missouri, and Ohio, with future court appearances scheduled in Boston.
Charging documents reveal that in March 2023, Rambhai and his co-conspirators orchestrated staged armed robberies at a minimum of six convenience/liquor stores and fast-food restaurants in Massachusetts and other locations.
These staged robberies were allegedly intended to allow the clerks involved to falsely claim victimization by violent crime on applications for U non-immigration status (U Visa).
A U Visa is designated for victims of specific crimes who have endured mental or physical abuse and have assisted law enforcement in investigations or prosecutions. It grants work authorization and a potential pathway to a Green Card within 5-10 years.
Authorities stated that during the purported staged robberies, the “robber” would allegedly threaten store clerks or owners with a visible firearm before taking cash from the register and fleeing, with the event recorded on store surveillance.
After the robbery, the clerks or store owners purportedly waited five minutes or more before calling the police to report the “crime.” The “victims” are claimed to have compensated Rambhai for their participation in the scheme, while Rambhai allegedly compensated store owners for the use of their establishments during the staged robberies.
Rambhai, acting as the “robber,” and the getaway driver had previously faced charges and convictions.
The eleven defendants charged are accused of either coordinating with the organizer for each robbery or paying to participate as a “victim” themselves or for a family member. The conspiracy to commit visa fraud carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.
