Ten Indian nationals have been indicted by a US federal grand jury in Boston for their alleged involvement in a conspiracy to stage armed robberies at convenience stores to falsely claim victim status in immigration applications.
The defendants, who were previously charged in March 2026, were indicted with one count of conspiracy to commit fraud.
According to a press release by the US Attorney's office, the 10 individuals identified are:
Maheshkumar Patel (36) of Randolph, Massachusetts
Sanjaykumar Patel (45) of Quincy, Massachusetts
Dipikaben Patel (40) of Weymouth, Massachusetts (deported to India)
Rameshbhai Patel (52) of Eubank, Kentucky
Amitabahen Patel (43) of Plainville, Massachusetts
Ronakkumar Patel (28) of Maryland Heights, Mississippi
Sangitaben Patel (36) of Randolph, Massachusetts
Minkesh Patel (42) of Perrysburg, Ohio
Sonal Patel (42) of Perrysburg, Ohio
Jitendrakumar Patel (39) of Marshfield, Massachusetts
The scheme, led by Rambhai Patel and getaway driver Balwinder Singh, involved staging at least 6 armed robberies at convenience stores in Massachusetts and other places.
The purpose of the robbery was to allow the convenience store clerk/owner to claim victim status on an application for a U non-immigration status (U Visa).
The U Visa is for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.
The alleged stage robberies involved threatening the store clerk with an apparent firearm before taking cash from the register and fleeing.
The defendants are alleged to have either arranged with Rambhai Patel to set up robbery or paid for themselves or a family member to participate as a "victim".
The charges of conspiracy to commit visa fraud can lead to a sentence of up to 5 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.
