BOSTON, Mass. (Diya TV) — Federal prosecutors have charged 10 Indian nationals in a visa fraud conspiracy that involved staging armed robberies to support false immigration claims, authorities said. A federal grand jury in Boston returned indictments against the group, accusing them of working together to fake violent crimes so participants could apply for special immigration protections known as U visas.
According to prosecutors, the defendants took part in a coordinated plan that began in March 2023. The group allegedly staged armed robberies at convenience stores, liquor stores, and fast-food restaurants in Massachusetts and other states. Authorities say the goal was to create fake evidence of violent crime. Participants would then use those incidents to apply for a U non-immigrant status, commonly known as a U visa.
A U visa allows victims of certain crimes to remain in the United States if they assist law enforcement. It is designed to protect individuals who have suffered abuse and to help investigators. Prosecutors allege that the defendants falsely claimed to be victims to exploit this program.
Investigators say the scheme followed a pattern. A person posing as a robber would enter a store and threaten workers or owners with what appeared to be a firearm. The suspect would take cash and leave. Surveillance cameras recorded the incidents, giving the appearance of real crimes.
Authorities say the clerks or owners did not report the incidents immediately. Instead, they waited several minutes before calling the police. This delay allowed the “robber” to escape and made the events appear more believable. Prosecutors allege that participants paid an organizer to take part in the scheme. In return, store owners also received payments for allowing their businesses to be used.
The investigation began earlier and led to the conviction of the alleged organizer, Rambhai Patel, and getaway driver Balwinder Singh. Both men were charged in December 2023 and convicted in May 2025. Prosecutors say the newly indicted defendants either helped arrange the staged robberies or paid to participate as victims.
The 10 defendants include individuals living in Massachusetts, Kentucky, Ohio, and Mississippi. Authorities say many were unlawfully residing in the United States at the time. One defendant has already been deported to India. Two others are now in immigration custody. Officials say all defendants could face deportation after serving any sentence.
Each defendant faces one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud. If convicted, they could be sentenced to up to five years in prison. They may also face up to three years of supervised release and fines of up to $250,000. Prosecutors emphasized that the charges are allegations. The defendants remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The case involved multiple federal and local agencies. The investigation included the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with support from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Law enforcement offices across several states assisted in the investigation. Local police departments in Massachusetts and other states also played a role. U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley and federal investigators announced the indictments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elianna J. Nuzum and Jessica L. Soto are prosecuting the case.
