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At the center of the operation, according to prosecutors, was a man identified as Rambhai Patel, who allegedly coordinated the fake robberies with a network of co-conspirators.
According to federal charging documents, the scheme dates back to early 2023. Authorities claim multiple staged incidents were carried out across Massachusetts and potentially in other locations, all designed to create the appearance of legitimate violent crimes.
“According to the charging documents, in March 2023, Rambhai Patel and his co-conspirators set up and carried out staged armed robberies of at least six convenience/liquor stores and fast food restaurants in Massachusetts and elsewhere,” the DOJ said in a press release.
These incidents were not random. Prosecutors say they were carefully orchestrated, with participants allegedly paying to be listed as victims in the aftermath of the staged crimes.
“It is alleged that the purpose of the staged robberies was to allow the clerks present to falsely claim that they were victims of a violent crime on an application for U non-immigration status (U Visa),” the release continued
The U visa program was created to protect legitimate victims of serious crimes who cooperate with law enforcement. It is intended to help vulnerable individuals come forward without fear of deportation. But in this case, federal officials argue the system was deliberately manipulated.
Rather than responding to real crimes, authorities say they were dealing with fabricated incidents designed solely to exploit immigration benefits.
The Justice Department emphasized that the alleged mastermind, along with the individual who played the role of the armed robber and a getaway driver, has already been convicted.
“The organizer Rambhai Patel, the “robber,” and the getaway driver, Balwinder Singh, were convicted in May 2025,” the press release reads. “The 10 defendants indicted today are alleged to have either arranged with Rambhai Patel to set up each robbery, or paid for themselves or a family member to participate as a “victim.””
The implications of the case go beyond just one group. Federal prosecutors argue this is part of a growing pattern of organized efforts to exploit loopholes in the immigration system.
If convicted, the defendants could face up to five years behind bars. Authorities also made clear that deportation is on the table once sentencing is finalized.
While the legal process is still unfolding, the case is already drawing attention as an example of how public safety programs can be abused when safeguards fail.
Officials say the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges or related cases could emerge as authorities continue to dig into what they describe as a coordinated and profit-driven scheme.
For now, the message from federal law enforcement is clear. Programs designed to protect victims will not be allowed to become tools for fraud.
