11 indians arrested in US for staging fake robberies to obtain U-visa, FBI reveals scheme
Eleven Indian nationals were arrested in the US for allegedly staging fake robberies at stores to qualify for U-visa immigration benefits, according to the FBI.
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Eleven Indian nationals have been arrested in the United States for allegedly staging fake armed robberies to obtain immigration benefits. According to federal agents in Boston, Massachusetts, the group planned and executed staged robbery incidents at various shops and business establishments. The alleged aim was to help employees claim they were victims of a serious crime so they could qualify for a special immigration visa.
In the United States, the U-visa is granted to individuals who are victims of serious crimes and assist law enforcement agencies in investigations. Investigators said the accused planned at least six staged robberies at convenience stores, liquor shops and fast-food restaurants.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said the entire operation was carefully planned. As part of the scheme, one individual would act as a robber and enter the store carrying an object resembling a firearm. He would take cash from the counter and flee the scene.
According to the FBI, another key part of the plan was ensuring that the entire incident was recorded on the store’s CCTV cameras to make the robbery appear real. Investigators also found that after the staged robberies, people present at the store would not immediately inform the police. Instead, they deliberately waited for about five minutes or more before contacting authorities so the “robber” could escape and the incident would look more convincing.
The FBI further alleged that individuals paid money to participate in the staged robberies so they could falsely claim to be crime victims and apply for a U-visa. The alleged mastermind of the scheme also received payments, which were later shared with store owners who allowed the fake incidents to take place in their shops.
Six people—Jitendrakumar Patel, Maheshkumar Patel, Sanjaykumar Patel, Amitaben Patel, Sangeetaben Patel and Mitul Patel—were arrested in Massachusetts. After their initial appearance in a Boston federal court, they were released.
Meanwhile, Rameshbhai Patel, Ronakkumar Patel, Sonal Patel and Minkesh Patel were arrested in Kentucky, Missouri and Ohio. Their initial court appearances took place in those states, and they will later be presented before the federal court in Boston for further proceedings.