Ramabhai Patel admits to staging armed robberies to help immigrants fraudulently obtain U Visas
A 37-year-old man from Gujarat, Ramabhai Patel, has pleaded guilty in a U.S. federal court in Boston to conspiring to commit visa fraud by orchestrating staged armed robberies to help individuals fraudulently secure U nonimmigrant visas, reported gujaratsamachar.com.
Patel staged fake armed robberies across multiple states, enabling fake victims to apply for U Visas meant for real crime victims.
According to court documents, from March 2023, Patel and a co-conspirator carried out staged robberies at a minimum of nine convenience stores, liquor stores, and fast-food outlets across the U.S., including at least five in Massachusetts.
During these fake incidents, Patel or another actor would brandish an apparent firearm, threaten store clerks or owners, and flee with cash—all while being recorded on security cameras. The clerks would delay contacting the police to make the staged event appear legitimate.
The fraudulent scheme was aimed at allowing these clerks or store owners to claim victimhood under the U Visa program, which provides temporary legal status to victims of violent crime who assist law enforcement. One individual reportedly paid $20,000 to participate in the scheme, while Patel compensated store owners for using their premises.
Court schedules sentencing for August 20, 2025; co-conspirator expected to plead guilty on May 22.
At least two U Visa applications were filed based on these staged crimes. The U.S. District Court has set Patel’s sentencing for August 20, 2025. He faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 (approximately ₹2.14 crore). Upon serving his sentence, Patel may also face deportation. Sentencing will be guided by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant federal statutes.
