Fake Visa Scam: Kerala Man Duped, Agent Arrested
In a case that has drawn the attention of U.S. immigration authorities, 37-year-old Indian national Rambhai Patel has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a complex visa fraud scheme involving staged armed robberies across multiple states in the United States.
The plea was entered in federal court in Boston on Monday, with U.S. District Judge Myong J. Joun accepting Patel’s admission of guilt in the conspiracy. Sentencing is scheduled for August 20, 2025, where Patel could face up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. He also faces likely deportation following his sentence.
Elaborate Fraud for Immigration Benefits
According to court documents and statements, between March 2023 and May 2024, Patel collaborated with others to stage at least nine fake armed robberies at convenience stores and restaurants in Massachusetts, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania. The aim was to help undocumented immigrants falsely claim to be victims of violent crimes—thereby qualifying them for U nonimmigrant visas, a legal status meant to protect those who assist law enforcement after suffering serious harm.
Authorities say that in several of the staged incidents, Patel or his associates posed as armed robbers, brandishing weapons and pretending to steal cash. Store clerks, many of whom paid Patel thousands of dollars for the opportunity, would later report the fake robberies to local police, submitting false crime victim claims for immigration relief.
In some instances, Patel allegedly paid store owners to use their businesses as venues for the staged events. One victim is reported to have paid $20,000 to be included in the scheme.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Action
Patel was initially charged in December 2023. His co-conspirator, identified as Singh, is also expected to plead guilty in the coming days. Investigations were led by the FBI in coordination with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and with support from law enforcement agencies in various states where the incidents occurred.
Federal prosecutors emphasized that visa fraud undermines the integrity of the U.S. immigration system and diverts resources away from genuine victims in need of protection.
Government’s Message
“This case sends a strong message that the U.S. government takes immigration fraud seriously and will not hesitate to hold individuals accountable for exploiting the system,” said U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy.
The Department of Justice is continuing to investigate potential similar schemes and urged individuals to report any suspected visa-related fraud.
