Fake gun, real crime: 10 Indians charged in massive US visa fraud scheme

The scheme was reportedly designed to enable store clerks to falsely claim victimhood in order to support immigration applications, officials said on Friday.

Previously charged, some now in immigration custody

According to a statement from the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, the defendants had earlier been charged via criminal complaint in March 2026 and released under certain conditions. Two individuals, Rameshbhai Patel and Ronakkumar Patel, have since been taken into immigration custody. All defendants could face deportation following the completion of any sentence imposed.

The investigation traces back to key organisers

The case stems from an earlier investigation into alleged organiser Rambhai Patel and getaway driver Balwinder Singh, who were charged in December 2023 and later convicted in May 2025. Authorities say the broader conspiracy dates back to March 2023.

Alleged Modus Operandi of the scheme

According to charging documents, Patel and his associates orchestrated staged armed robberies at at least six convenience stores, liquor outlets, and fast-food restaurants across Massachusetts and other locations.

During these incidents, a “robber” would allegedly threaten store clerks or owners with what appeared to be a firearm, take cash from registers, and flee. The events were often captured on surveillance cameras to lend credibility to the claims.

Clerks and owners would reportedly wait several minutes after the suspect fled before contacting police to report the incident.

Fraudulent use of U Visa applications

Prosecutors allege that the staged crimes were intended to support fraudulent applications for U non-immigrant status, or U Visas. These visas are granted to victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and have assisted law enforcement in investigations or prosecutions.

Investigators claim that individuals posing as “victims” paid Rambhai Patel to participate in the scheme, while Patel allegedly compensated store owners for allowing their premises to be used.

Charges and potential penalties

The ten newly indicted defendants are accused of either arranging the staged robberies or paying to participate as victims on behalf of themselves or family members.

If convicted, they face charges of conspiracy to commit visa fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. All defendants may also be subject to deportation after serving their sentences.