Two Indian-Origin Men Among Nine Accused In Visa Fraud, Drug Charges In US

Two Indian-origin persons are among nine accused in a US court, on visa fraud and drug charges.

Saurabhkumar Patel, of Orangeburg, South Carolina, is facing conspiracy charges, while Tarang Patel, of Newport, Kentucky, is facing conspiracy and visa fraud charges.

The duo, along with seven law enforcement officers, has been indicted in federal court in South Carolina on visa fraud and drug charges. If convicted, Saurabhkumar Patel and Tarang Patel will face a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.

One of the schemes alleged in the indictment, involved fraudulent U Nonimmigrant Visas ('U-Visas'), which are set aside for victims of certain crimes, who have suffered mental or physical abuse as a result of the crime.

To obtain a U-Visa, a law enforcement official must certify that the alien is assisting that law enforcement agency in the investigation or prosecution of the crime, of which he was a victim.

According to the Indictment, four officers helped individuals in obtaining fraudulent U-Visas, by taking bribes for fraudulent certifications, and creating fraudulent incident reports indicating that aliens were victims of crimes. The indictment further alleges, that officers took bribes in exchange for protecting methamphetamine and cocaine or the proceeds of drug trafficking.

"If these allegations are proved, these defendants do not deserve to wear the badge and should not be allowed to bring disrepute on the overwhelming majority of men and women in blue who serve South Carolina with integrity," United States Attorney, Sherri Lydon said.

She added, "We will not tolerate the hypocrisy of those who would pretend to enforce the law, while violating it themselves as they seek to line their own pockets. We call that public corruption, and we will always call it out."

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys, William Camden Lewis, and Alyssa Leigh Richardson of the Columbia office.

AFP