An Indian national unlawfully residing in Worcester, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty today in federal court to conspiracy to commit visa fraud, involving staged armed robberies designed to secure U non-immigrant status for participants.
Mitul Patel, 40, admitted his role in the scheme, which involved orchestrating fake robberies at convenience stores and restaurants. His sentencing is set for July 29, 2026, before U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun.
The conspiracy, active since March 2023, involved "robbers" threatening store clerks with firearms and taking cash, all captured on surveillance. Clerks would then falsely claim victim status for a U Visa, which is intended for crime victims who assist law enforcement. Participants, including Patel, allegedly paid organizer Rambhai Patel to act as "victims" in these staged events.
Mitul Patel specifically paid Rambhai Patel to participate as a "victim" in a staged armed robbery in Worcester in October 2023. The charge carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and possible deportation. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley and FBI Special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks.