11 Indians Arrested In US For Staging Robberies In U Visa Fraud

Eleven Indian nationals have been arrested in the United States for their alleged role in a U Visa fraud scheme. Investigators say the group planned fake robberies at different shops to help people apply for immigration benefits.

Officials said the accused are facing charges of conspiracy to commit U Visa fraud. The arrests were made after an investigation by federal authorities in Boston, Massachusetts.

According to investigators, the group organised several fake robbery incidents at places like convenience stores, liquor shops and fast-food restaurants. Workers at these shops would act as victims of the robbery so they could apply for the U Visa, which is given to people who are victims of serious crimes and assist law enforcement.

Authorities say the robberies were carefully planned. In each incident, one person would act as a robber and enter the shop holding an object that looked like a gun. The person would take money from the counter and then leave the shop.

The group made sure that the incident was recorded on CCTV cameras so it looked like a real crime. Investigators also found that the employees involved would wait for about five minutes before calling the police, allowing the fake robber to escape and making the event appear genuine.

Officials believe some people paid money to take part in the staged robberies so they could later claim they were victims and apply for immigration benefits under the U Visa program.

Several suspects were arrested in Massachusetts, while others were taken into custody in Kentucky, Missouri and Ohio. All of them have appeared in court, and the case will continue in a federal court in Boston.

Under US law, those found guilty of U Visa fraud conspiracy could face up to five years in prison, along with supervised release and fines that can reach $250,000.

The investigation involved the FBI, immigration authorities and law enforcement agencies from multiple states. Officials said the allegations will now be examined in court, where the accused are considered innocent unless proven guilty.