11 Indian nationals charged in US for allegedly defrauding authorities over visa
PTC News Desk: Eleven Indian nationals living illegally in the United States have been charged with visa fraud for allegedly conspiring to stage armed robberies at convenience stores, according to federal prosecutors. Authorities said the suspects organised fake robberies so that store clerks could falsely claim to be victims of crime in immigration applications aimed at securing a Green Card.
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, have each been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud. They were allegedly living unlawfully in several US states, including Massachusetts, Kentucky and Ohio.
According to the US Department of Justice, Dipikaben Patel has already been deported to India after unlawfully residing in Weymouth, Massachusetts. Jitendrakumar, Maheshkumar, Sanjaykumar, Amitabahen, Sangitaben and Mitul were arrested in Massachusetts and later released after appearing in federal court in Boston on Friday.
Meanwhile, Rameshbhai, Ronakkumar, Sonal and Minkesh were arrested and made their initial court appearances in Kentucky, Missouri and Ohio, and are expected to appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
Charging documents state that in March 2023, Rameshbhai and his co-conspirators allegedly orchestrated staged armed robberies at at least six convenience stores, liquor shops and fast-food outlets in Massachusetts and other locations.
Prosecutors allege the robberies were planned so that the clerks present could falsely claim they were victims of violent crime while applying for a U non-immigrant visa. A U visa is granted to victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and have assisted law enforcement in investigating or prosecuting criminal activity. The visa also allows work authorisation and can provide a pathway to a Green Card within five to ten years.
- With inputs from agencies
