4Photo© timesofindia.indiatimes.com11 Indian Nationals Charged In US Over Staged Robberies To Secure Immigration Benefits
Federal prosecutors in the United States have charged eleven Indian nationals in connection with an alleged scheme involving staged armed robberies at convenience stores in order to obtain immigration benefits. Authorities say the defendants attempted to falsely present store clerks as victims of violent crimes to qualify for special visas intended for genuine victims.
The charges were announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, which confirmed that ten of the accused individuals have already been taken into custody. Each of the defendants faces one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud.
According to prosecutors, those charged in the case include Jitendrakumar Patel of Marshfield, Maheshkumar Patel of Randolph, Sanjaykumar Patel of Quincy, Dipikaben Patel, who has already been deported to India, Rameshbhai Patel of Kentucky, Amitabahen Patel of Plainville, Ronakkumar Patel of Missouri, Sangitaben Patel of Randolph, Minkesh Patel and Sonal Patel of Ohio, and Mitul Patel of Worcester.