"Pair Charged in Massachusetts for Staging Robberies to Secure Visas for 'Victims'"

Balwinder Singh and Rambhai Patel were arrested for allegedly staging armed robberies at convenience stores to help "victims" qualify for U nonimmigrant visas, which are given to victims of crimes who assist law enforcement. They, along with co-conspirators, faked robberies across several states, charging each "victim" $10,000. The scheme was uncovered when inconsistencies arose during investigations, leading to charges of conspiracy to commit visa fraud, which could result in up to five years in prison.