A federal grand jury in Boston indicted 10 Indian nationals for allegedly participating in a conspiracy to commit visa fraud by staging armed robberies. According to investigators, the defendants worked with an organizer, Rambhai Patel, to carry out fake robberies at convenience stores and similar businesses. These incidents were designed to make store clerks appear to be victims of violent crimes so they could apply for U visas, which are reserved for individuals who assist law enforcement after suffering abuse from qualifying crimes. The scheme involved simulated threats with firearms, recorded on surveillance video, followed by delayed police reports to make the incidents appear legitimate. Authorities allege that participants paid to be listed as “victims,” while store owners were compensated for allowing their businesses to be used. The organizer and key accomplices were previously convicted in 2025, and the newly indicted individuals are accused of arranging or funding participation in the staged events. If convicted, they face up to five years in prison, fines, supervised release, and potential deportation. Federal agencies, including USCIS and the FBI, played a central role in uncovering the scheme, though all allegations remain subject to proof in court.