Two Indian-origin men, Rambhai Patel (36) and Balwinder Singh (39), were arrested on charges related to visa fraud in the United States. The duo allegedly orchestrated staged armed robberies across the country, allowing the “victims” to apply for immigration benefits.
The arrests occurred in Seattle and Queens, New York, on December 13. The charges include conspiracy to commit visa fraud, with potential penalties of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 if proven.
Starting in March 2023, Patel and accomplices, including Singh at times, conducted staged armed robberies at convenience stores and fast-food restaurants, intending for clerks to claim victimhood on U Visa applications. The U Visa is for crime victims who have suffered abuse and cooperated with law enforcement.
During these incidents, the “robber” threatened store staff with an apparent firearm, captured on surveillance video. Allegedly, participants paid Patel, who, in turn, compensated store owners for using their premises in the scheme.
The legal consequences for conspiracy to commit visa fraud are severe, and both suspects are subject to potential imprisonment, supervised release, and a substantial fine.
Patel is detained pending trial, while Singh appeared in federal court in Boston on December 28. Patel is expected to appear in a Boston federal court later.
