A big case related to visa fraud has come to light in America. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested 10 Indian citizens while taking action in four states. All of them are accused of conspiring to portray themselves as victims of crime by staging fake armed robbery incidents and availing immigration benefits on the basis of this. According to the investigating agency, a total of 11 Indians have been charged in this case, out of which 10 have been arrested, while one accused has been sent to India after framing of charges.
Used to take immigration benefits by pretending to commit robbery
According to the FBI, the accused staged fake armed robberies in several shops. Through these incidents, shop employees or owners would pretend to be victims of crime so that they could apply for a U Non-Immigrant Visa. This visa is given to those who are victims of serious crime and help the investigating agencies. The agency says that this entire fraud was done to avail the benefit of this visa. All the arrested accused are said to be residents of Gujarat.
The conspiracy was going on since 2023
Investigation has revealed that this conspiracy started in the year 2023. During that period, incidents of armed robbery at at least six convenience stores, liquor stores and fast food restaurants took place in Massachusetts. The same method was used every time. A man threatened the employees with a weapon, withdrew money from the cash register and fled from the scene. The entire incident was recorded in CCTV cameras.
According to the investigating agency, the employees or shopkeepers deliberately waited for a few minutes before informing the police, so that the accused could easily escape and the incident seemed real.
The entire plan was hatched with money
According to the FBI, this entire gang was planned by the main accused Rambhai Patel and his associates. The alleged victims paid money to participate in the conspiracy, while Patel paid the shopkeepers for the use of his stores. In this way, fake incidents were attempted to prove that workers had been victims of violent crimes, so that they could become eligible for U visas.
Arrests made in many states
According to the investigating agency, Jitendra Kumar Patel, Mahesh Kumar Patel, Sanjay Kumar Patel, Amita Ben Patel, Sangeeta Ben Patel and Mitul Patel were arrested in Massachusetts. All of them were presented in the Boston court, where they were released after the first hearing.
Ramesh Bhai Patel, Ronak Kumar Patel, Sonal Patel and Minkesh Patel have been arrested from the states of Kentucky, Missouri and Ohio. These accused will also be presented in the federal court of Boston soon.
Main accused already convicted
According to FBI officials, the main accused Rambhai Patel And the driver who helped him escape has already been charged and convicted. A case of conspiracy to commit visa fraud has been registered against the accused.
If the charges are proved, the accused can face a maximum of 5 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release and a fine of up to $2.5 lakh.
Comments are closed.