CHICAGO, Illinois – Six Indian-origin individuals have been indicted on federal fraud charges for allegedly staging armed robberies to fraudulently apply for U-visas, which can later be used to obtain Green Cards.
Six defendants, including Parth Nayi and Kewon Young, are accused of organizing staged armed robberies in Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
These staged events were meant to create false crime victim scenarios for applicants to U-visas. These visas are intended for victims of certain crimes who assist law enforcement and can lead to Green Card eligibility.
- Staged Robberies: Conducted at various locations, including restaurants, coffee shops, liquor stores, and gas stations.
- Fraudulent Applications: Purported victims submitted forms to law enforcement to certify their victim status and used these certifications to apply for U-visas.
- Indicted Individuals: Parth Nayi, Kewon Young, Bhikhabhai Patel, Nilesh Patel, Ravinaben Patel, and Rajnikumar Patel.
- Charges: Conspiracy to commit visa fraud; additional charge of making a false statement for Ravinaben Patel.
- Potential Sentences: Up to five years for conspiracy; up to ten years for false statements.
- Visa Implications: U-visas not only provide temporary legal status but can also lead to obtaining a Green Card.
- Community: All defendants are of Indian origin, reflecting a particular demographic's involvement in the scheme.
This indictment underscores the severity of visa fraud and the potential legal consequences of such actions. As the case proceeds, the public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.