Daijiworld Media Network – New York

New York, May 24: In a shocking case that has stunned the Indian diaspora in the United States, a 37-year-old Indian-origin man, Rambhai Patel, has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a series of fake armed robberies at restaurants and convenience stores across America, all part of a nefarious plot to secure U visas for illegal immigrants.

The U visa is a special non-immigrant status in the United States meant to protect victims of serious crimes who assist law enforcement in investigations. However, Patel twisted the intent of this humanitarian relief into a visa racket for profit.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Patel, with the help of an accomplice, staged at least nine fake robberies between March and late 2023. These incidents occurred in multiple states, including Massachusetts and New York, and were carefully choreographed to look like real crimes — complete with firearms, stolen cash, and CCTV footage.

As part of the operation, individuals paid Patel large sums — reportedly up to $20,000 — to be included as “victims” in these fake robberies. These “victims” would then claim they were traumatised by violent crimes and were assisting police investigations, a requirement for applying for a U visa.

Police say Patel even paid store owners for using their premises for these fake incidents. The “victims” would report the crimes only after the robbers left, ensuring there was no actual danger while still creating a convincing police record.

On May 22, Patel pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud. He now faces up to five years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and automatic deportation upon completion of his sentence. Sentencing has been scheduled for August 20.

Federal authorities revealed that at least two individuals have already filed fraudulent U visa applications based on Patel’s staged robberies.

Introduced under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000, the U visa offers temporary legal status, protection from deportation, and work authorization to immigrants who are victims of certain crimes — but only if they assist law enforcement agencies in solving or prosecuting those crimes.

Intended as a shield for the vulnerable, the U visa has been exploited in this case, turning law enforcement resources toward fake crimes while real victims wait in long queues for justice and protection.

U.S. officials have called this case an “egregious abuse” of the system and warned that strict action will follow against any attempts to manipulate the immigration process. Authorities are also encouraging others who may have been involved in or aware of similar scams to come forward.

This case serves as a reminder of the lengths to which some individuals go to exploit humanitarian laws, and the vigilance required to maintain the integrity of immigration protections meant for genuine victims.