An Indian national living unlawfully in New York has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for organizing staged armed robberies as part of a visa fraud conspiracy. Rambhai Patel, 38, received a sentence of 20 months and eight days in prison, followed by two years of supervised release and an order to forfeit $850,000. After serving his sentence, Patel will be subject to deportation.
Patel pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud. He was charged alongside Balwinder Singh in December 2023.
According to court documents, beginning in March 2023, Patel and Singh orchestrated at least 18 staged armed robberies at convenience stores, liquor stores, and fast-food restaurants across the United States. At least five of these incidents took place in Massachusetts. The purpose was to help store clerks falsely claim victim status on applications for U nonimmigrant status (U Visa), which is available to victims of certain crimes who have suffered abuse and assisted law enforcement.
During the staged incidents, an individual posing as a robber would threaten store clerks or owners with what appeared to be a firearm before taking money from the register. These actions were recorded on surveillance video. The clerks or owners would then wait several minutes after the “robber” left before calling police. Those participating as victims paid Patel for their involvement; one person reportedly paid $20,000 to be included as a victim. Patel also compensated store owners for allowing their businesses to be used.
Prosecutors said Patel made about $850,000 through this scheme. As part of his sentence, he must forfeit that amount.
At least two co-conspirators submitted U Visa applications based on being purported victims of these staged robberies.
Singh pleaded guilty in May 2025 and is scheduled for sentencing on September 24, 2025.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Division. The investigation involved multiple agencies including U.S. Attorney’s Offices in New York and Washington state; FBI field offices; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; Massachusetts State Police; local police departments; and others. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elianna J. Nuzum and Jessica L. Soto are prosecuting the case.
