Surveillance footage showed a fake robber brandishing a weapon, stealing cash, and fleeing the scene.The ‘victims’ who had paid Patel large sums up to USD 20,000 in one case would then wait before reporting the incident to police.Patel in turn paid store owners for access to the premises.At least two individuals submitted U visa applications based on these staged incidents. Patel was charged in December 2023. His co-conspirator, identified as Singh, is expected to plead guilty on May 22.The charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to USD 250,000.Patel also faces deportation after completing his sentence.The case was investigated by the FBI and U.S.immigration authorities with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
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