BOSTON, MA — Rambhai Patel, 36, and Balwinder Singh, 39, both hailing from New York, were apprehended on December 13, 2023, in separate locations and charged with conspiracy to commit visa fraud. The arrests came as a result of an extensive investigation into an intricate plot that unfolded over the course of several months, involving staged armed robberies at numerous convenience stores, liquor stores, and fast-food restaurants across the United States. Around four of these incidents occurred in Massachusetts. The ultimate goal of the scheme was to enable store clerks to fraudulently apply for U nonimmigration status (U Visa) by posing as victims of violent crimes.
The staged robberies were meticulously executed, with one of the conspirators assuming the role of a robber and threatening store personnel with what appeared to be a firearm. The perpetrator then proceeded to seize cash from the registers before making a swift getaway. These criminal acts were recorded on surveillance cameras, capturing the deceptive portrayal of victims who deliberately delayed notifying the police to ensure the perpetrator’s escape. As the mastermind behind these orchestrated events, Patel received compensation from the fake victims and provided remuneration to store owners in exchange for the use of their premises.
Both Patel and Singh face a single count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud. Patel, detained pending his trial, is scheduled to appear before a federal court in Boston subsequent to his initial appearance in the Western District of Washington. Singh, after his first appearance in the Eastern District of New York, has already made his presence known in a federal court in Boston as of yesterday.
If proven guilty, the defendants may face a maximum sentence of five years in prison, along with three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The ultimate decision on their sentencing will rest with a federal district court judge who, in accordance with the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, will weigh various factors.
In an attempt to ensure transparency throughout the investigation, law enforcement officials have remained tight-lipped to avoid compromising crucial information. The identities of the individuals who supposedly benefited from the staged robberies, posing as victims, have not been disclosed, leaving room for speculation on the extent of this visa fraud conspiracy.
This case highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of the U Visa program, which aims to protect and assist victims of certain crimes who may qualify for temporary legal status under U.S. immigration law. By staging these fake robberies, the fraudsters not only jeopardized the credibility of the program but also exploited the legitimate claims of those who have genuinely fallen victim to violent crimes.
As the legal proceedings unfold, it is expected that further details regarding the extent of the conspiracy and its impact will be revealed. The authorities remain committed to upholding the principles of justice and safeguarding the integrity of the immigration system, as they work diligently to bring this complex case to a close.
In the wake of these arrests, it is imperative for individuals and businesses to remain vigilant, exercising caution and ensuring that they adhere to the law. The U.S. immigration system must continue to serve as a guardian for those who are genuinely in need, while actively combating fraudulent activities that seek to exploit its mechanisms.
