PIOs exploit ‘fake robberies’ for US visa applications

Authorities have discovered that a series of armed robberies in mini marts and liquor stores across four US states were part of a visa-fraud scheme. Two suspects, Rambhai Patel and Balwinder Singh, have been charged with conspiracy to commit visa fraud. The staged robberies involved victims paying $10,000 for immigration “papers” and store owners receiving $1,500 to $2,000 for providing venues. This case exposes vulnerabilities in the U visa programme, which grants visas to immigrants who are victims of certain crimes.