Archive · 21 May 2025
US Visa Scam: Indian National Admits to Staged Robberies
Some people were faking robberies to get special visas in the US.
They pretended to be victims of a crime, so they could stay in the country even if they weren't supposed to be there.
A man named Rambhal Patel helped organize these fake robberies at stores.
He paid people to pretend they were robbed, and also paid the store owners.
The goal was to help undocumented immigrants get a special visa called a U-Visa.
Patel has now admitted to the crime, and will be sentenced soon.
Rambhal Patel pleaded guilty to staging armed robberies across the US.
The scheme aimed to help undocumented immigrants exploit the U-Visa program.
Patel and accomplices staged at least nine robberies since March 2023.
Store owners were complicit, paid by Patel for access to their premises.
A Fairfield County case in Connecticut involved a staged robbery by a shop owner and clerk.
- Who
- Rambhal Patel and accomplices, along with store owners and clerks who were undocumented immigrants
- What
- A conspiracy to stage armed robberies at retail stores to facilitate fraudulent U-Visa applications.
- When
- March 2023 (ongoing)
- Where
- Across multiple US states, including Massachusetts and Connecticut
- Why
- To exploit the U-Visa program and allow undocumented immigrants to remain in the US by staging armed robberies.
Immigration Advocates
Government
Eligibility
Immigration Advocates
Support for undocumented immigrants' rights to apply for U-Visas.
Government
Strict adherence to U-Visa program rules and prosecution of fraud.
- Main Perpetrator
- Rambhal Patel
- Number of Staged Robberies
- At least nine
- Charge
- Conspiracy to commit visa fraud
- U-Visa purpose
- For victims of certain serious crimes who cooperate with law enforcement.
- Clerks involved
- Undocumented immigrants seeking to remain in US
- Sentencing Date
- August 20
