Mitul Patel pleads guilty to visa fraud tied to staged armed robberies in Massachusetts

Mitul Patel, 40, pleaded guilty in Boston to visa fraud tied to staged armed robberies in Massachusetts. Prosecutors said Mitul Patel paid to pose as a robbery victim. The act was meant to support a U visa request. Mitul Patel admitted the role in federal court in Massachusetts. Sentencing is set for July 29.

Investigators described a wider operation using fake crimes and video evidence. Prosecutors said robberies were planned to appear on surveillance cameras. The aim was to create police records for later immigration filings. Court papers linked the scheme to Rambhai Patel, who was convicted in May 2025. Officials said other related cases remain active.

Prosecutors said the staged robber entered a convenience store, liquor shop, or fast-food outlet. The robber then threatened staff with what looked like a firearm. The action had to be clear on camera, prosecutors said. After cash was taken, staff waited before calling police. Officials said the delay helped the robber leave.

In an October 2023 case, court documents placed a staged armed robbery at a store in Worcester. Prosecutors said Mitul Patel paid Rambhai Patel to act as a "victim" there. Investigators said supposed victims knew the crimes were fake. Prosecutors also alleged Rambhai Patel paid store owners. Officials said owners allowed premises to be used.

The U visa offers non-immigrant status for certain crime victims. Applicants must show harm and helpful co-operation with law enforcement. The category was created to help victims report serious offences. It can provide lawful status and later permanent residence, if eligible. Prosecutors said staged robberies were used to manufacture supporting police records.

Authorities said false reports can strain local policing and distort safety records. Prosecutors said such claims may weaken trust in relief programmes. Officials also said fraud can divert attention from genuine victims. Court papers said staged armed robberies happened at least six stores and restaurants. Locations included Massachusetts and other places, prosecutors alleged.

U visa visa fraud: Other accused and case status

Federal authorities charged ten other people by criminal complaint in March 2026. Prosecutors said they lived in the United States illegally. Officials accused them of using staged robberies for U visa claims. Dipikaben Patel has been deported to India, case details said. A criminal complaint is an allegation, and defendants are presumed innocent.

Mitul Patel’s guilty plea did not end the court process. The judge is set to sentence Mitul Patel on July 29. The court will weigh federal guidelines and facts admitted in court. Prosecutors and defence counsel can argue over penalties. Authorities noted visa fraud convictions can also trigger separate immigration consequences.

The plea placed Mitul Patel among admitted participants in the alleged scheme. Prosecutors said the operation relied on staged violence, camera footage, and later filings. Officials said related cases may move differently due to pleas and custody. Mitul Patel now awaits sentencing, while proceedings involving other accused participants continue in federal court.