Archive · 2 Sep 2025
Indian National Sentenced for U Visa Fraud Conspiracy
Rambhai Patel and Balwinder Singh set up fake armed robberies at stores.
They did this so store clerks could pretend to be victims of a crime and apply for a U visa, which is for victims of certain crimes who help law enforcement.
Patel paid store owners to use their stores, and the clerks paid Patel to be part of the scheme.
They took cash from the register.
Patel earned about $850,000 from the scheme.
Patel has been sentenced to prison, and will be deported after.
Singh is scheduled to be sentenced in September 2025.
Rambhai Patel was sentenced to prison for U visa fraud.
Patel and Singh staged armed robberies at various stores.
The purpose was to help clerks falsely claim victim status for U visas.
Patel received around $850,000 from the scheme.
Patel will be deported after his sentence.
- Who
- Rambhai Patel and Balwinder Singh.
- What
- Conspired to commit U visa fraud by staging armed robberies.
- When
- Patel was sentenced in May 2025.
- Where
- At least 18 convenience stores, liquor stores, and fast-food restaurants across the United States, including in Massachusetts.
- Why
- To allow store clerks to falsely claim they were victims of violent crimes to obtain U visas.
- Defendant
- Rambhai Patel
- Sentence
- 20 months and 8 days in prison, followed by 2 years supervised release
- Fine/Forfeiture
- $850,000
- Co-conspirator
- Balwinder Singh
- Conviction
- Conspiracy to commit visa fraud
- Visa Type Targeted
- U Visa
- Staged Robberies
- 18+ across US, including 5+ in MA