Men staged string of armed robberies so 'victims' could get immigration benefits, feds say

A New York duo is facing visa fraud charges after federal prosecutors say they staged a slew of armed robberies across the country so the "victims" could apply for immigration benefits.

Rambhai Patel, 36, and Balwinder Singh, 39, were charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit visa fraud in connection to the scheme which began in March 2023,  the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts announced Friday.

According to a news release, officials arrested Patel in Seattle on Dec. 13 and, following an initial appearance in the Western District of Washington, was ordered detained pending trial. Singh was arrested in Queens, N.Y. on Dec. 13 and had his initial appearance in the Eastern District of New York.

Singh appeared in federal court in Boston last week, according to the release, and Patel is slated to appear in federal court in Boston at a later time.

It was not immediately known if either man had obtained an attorney Tuesday.

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At least 8 businesses 'hit'

Charging documents in the case show Patel and his co-conspirators, including Singh, "set up and carried out staged armed robberies" at at least eight convenience stores, liquor stores and fast food restaurants across the nation including at least four businesses in Massachusetts.

According to prosecutors, the purpose of the staged robberies was "to allow the clerks present to claim that they were victims of a violent crime on an application for U nonimmigration status (U Visa)."

The visa is available to victims of some crimes who "have suffered mental or physical abuse and who have been helpful to law enforcement" in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity, the release explains.

During the staged crimes, prosecutors said, the “robber” would threaten store clerks and owners with "an apparent firearm" before taking cash from the register and fleeing.

The alleged crime, officials said, was captured on store surveillance video and the 'victims' would then "wait five or more minutes" until the “robber” had escaped before calling police to report the “crime.”  

'Victims' paid 'robbers'

The release goes onto say the “victims” each allegedly paid Patel to participate in the scheme.

In turn, prosecutors says, Patel reportedly paid the store owners to use their stores for the fake robberies.

If convicted of the felony offense, the defendants each face up to five years, prison, a $250,000 fine and more.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.