Archive · 24 May 2025
NY Man Pleads Guilty in U Visa Scheme Involving Robberies
Rambhai Patel, an Indian-origin man in New York, pleaded guilty to a U Visa fraud.
He orchestrated fake armed robberies at restaurants.
The staff would then apply for a U Visa, a visa for crime victims assisting law enforcement.
Patel and a co-conspirator staged at least nine robberies, including five in Massachusetts.
They threatened store staff with firearms, stealing cash in front of cameras.
Patel charged individuals for participation.
The U visa provides temporary legal status and work authorization for up to four years, plus protection from deportation.
Patel faces up to five years in prison, a fine, and deportation.
Rambhai Patel pleaded guilty to visa fraud involving staged armed robberies.
Patel and a co-conspirator staged at least nine robberies.
The scheme aimed to help restaurant staff claim U Visas.
Victims paid Patel to be included in the staged robberies.
Patel faces up to five years in prison and deportation after sentencing.
- Who
- Rambhai Patel, an Indian-origin man, and an alleged co-conspirator.
- What
- Patel orchestrated a scheme to stage armed robberies to fraudulently obtain U Visas for restaurant staff.
- When
- Patel pleaded guilty in May 2024 and will be sentenced in August 2024. Staged robberies began in March 2023.
- Where
- At least nine convenience/liquor stores and fast-food restaurants across the US, including at least five in Massachusetts.
- Why
- To enable individuals to apply for U Visas and for financial gain.
Fraudulent Scheme
Victim's Rights
U Visa Intent
Fraudulent Scheme
The scheme exploited the U Visa program, undermining its intended purpose of helping actual crime victims.
Victim's Rights
The U Visa aims to protect victims assisting law enforcement, but the scheme has defrauded the system.
- Charge
- Conspiracy to commit visa fraud
- Maximum Prison Sentence
- Up to 5 years
- Maximum Fine
- $250,000
- Sentencing Date
- August 20
- Robberies Started
- March 2023
- U Visa Eligibility
- Victims of certain crimes who assist law enforcement
- U Visa Length
- 4 years