Louisiana Law Enforcers Caught in Visa Fraud Web
In a shocking turn of events, four law enforcement officers and a businessman in Louisiana have been accused of cooking up fake police reports. Their goal? To help immigrants get U.S. visas they weren't entitled to. This scheme allegedly went on for nearly a decade, from the end of 2015 to mid-2025.
Key Figures Involved
- Two current police chiefs
- One former chief
- One marshal
- Businessman Chandrakant Patel
The Scheme
The accused allegedly created false reports claiming immigrants were victims of armed robberies. These reports were then used to apply for U visas, which are meant for crime victims.
Financial Incentives
- $5,000 per fake report paid to officers.
- $5,000 to the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office for a false report.
The number of names involved is staggering, making it look like there was an unusual number of armed robberies involving non-Louisiana residents.
Charges and Consequences
The charges against them are serious:
- Conspiracy
- Visa fraud
- Mail fraud
- Money laundering
- Bribery
If found guilty, they could face up to 20 years in prison for some charges.
Impact on the U Visa Program
The U visa program, meant to protect crime victims, has now become a target for fraud.
This isn't the first time the U visa program has faced issues:
- A 2022 report warned that it was poorly managed and open to fraud.
- Just last year, six men were charged with staging armed robberies to get U visas.
It's clear that this program needs a closer look to prevent such scams.