Immigration fraud led to a two-year federal prison sentence for a suburban Chicago man accused of organizing staged armed robberies so people could falsely claim eligibility for U visas, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and federal prosecutors.
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Immigration Fraud Update
Parth Nayi, 29, of Woodridge, Illinois, was sentenced on October 22, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Mary M.
Rowland in federal court in Chicago.
Nayi also received a $50,000 fine after pleading guilty earlier this year to conspiracy to commit visa fraud.
What prosecutors say happened
According to the federal case announced by USCIS, Nayi organized and participated in hundreds of staged armed robberies between 2022 and 2024 as part of the alleged immigration fraud scheme.
The alleged robberies took place at coffee shops, restaurants, liquor stores and gas stations in Chicago, its suburbs and other locations across the country.
Investigators say Nayi recruited people to pose as victims, arranged for businesses to be used as locations, coordinated the people acting as robbers and coached participants on how to describe the events to law enforcement.
The people presented as victims allegedly paid Nayi between $5,000 and $30,000 each to participate in the scheme.
During the staged incidents, people acting as robbers allegedly displayed what appeared to be firearms, approached the purported victims and demanded money.
The purported victims then reported the incidents to local law enforcement and sought certification that they had experienced a qualifying crime and had been helpful in an investigation.
After obtaining that certification, prosecutors say the participants submitted fraudulent U visa applications to USCIS based on their alleged status as robbery victims.
Prosecutors characterize those filings as part of the alleged immigration fraud.
Why the U visa program was involved
The U visa program, formally known as U nonimmigrant status, is intended for victims of qualifying crimes who suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and who possess information that can assist law enforcement.
Applicants generally must show that the qualifying criminal activity occurred in the United States or violated U.S. law and that they were helpful, are helpful or are likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution.
A law enforcement agency may provide a certification supporting a petition, but USCIS makes the final determination on whether the applicant qualifies for U nonimmigrant status.
The program was created to encourage victims to report serious crimes and cooperate with investigators without making immigration status the sole barrier to seeking help.
In this case, the alleged immigration fraud involved an attempt to manufacture the events and evidence needed to create a false claim under that victim-protection program.
Sentence follows guilty plea
Nayi pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit visa fraud before the sentencing hearing.
Judge Rowland imposed two years in federal prison and a $50,000 fine.
The sentence was announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, the FBI Chicago Field Office and Homeland Security Investigations.
Five other people have also been convicted as part of the federal investigation, according to USCIS.
The agencies did not announce in the USCIS release how many individual U visa petitions were denied, revoked or otherwise affected by the investigation.
The conviction and sentence represent the confirmed federal outcome in the immigration fraud case involving Nayi.
Who may be affected by the case
The investigation directly concerns Nayi, other convicted participants and people who allegedly paid to take part in staged robberies.
It may also affect businesses and individuals who were involved in arranging locations, recruiting participants or providing information to investigators.
People accused of immigration fraud could face serious immigration and criminal consequences, although the outcome of any particular case depends on the facts and the evidence.
The existence of the investigation does not mean that every U visa applicant is suspected of immigration fraud.
Many U visa applicants are genuine crime victims who report abuse, provide information and seek certification through the ordinary legal process.
USCIS evaluates petitions individually and may consider law enforcement certifications, supporting evidence and other eligibility requirements.
What legitimate U visa applicants should know
Applicants should provide truthful information about the crime, their injuries or abuse and their cooperation with law enforcement.
Applicants should not pay anyone to arrange a fake incident, create false evidence or coach them to make an untrue statement to police or immigration officials.
A person with questions about a pending or possible U visa petition should consult a licensed immigration attorney or an accredited representative recognized by the Department of Justice.
Applicants should keep copies of police reports, certifications, immigration forms and communications connected to their case.
Anyone who believes a prior filing contained false information should obtain qualified legal advice before contacting USCIS or submitting additional documents.
How to report suspected immigration benefit fraud
USCIS directs the public to use its online tip form to report suspected immigration benefit fraud or abuse, including possible immigration fraud.
Useful information may include names, addresses, dates, application details, payment records, messages, photographs or other evidence that can help investigators evaluate the report.
People should use local law enforcement or emergency services for an immediate threat, an active robbery or another urgent public safety matter.
The USCIS tip process is intended for suspected immigration benefit fraud and related abuse, not for emergencies requiring an immediate police response.
What happens next
The federal investigation remains significant because the alleged immigration fraud scheme involved repeated staged robberies, multiple participants and immigration filings based on purported crime victim status.
Additional proceedings involving other defendants or participants could provide more information about the scope of the operation and the effect on U visa applications.
For now, the confirmed outcome announced by USCIS is Nayi’s federal sentence, fine and the conviction of five additional individuals connected to the investigation.
The case also underscores the distinction between legitimate U visa protections for crime victims and fraudulent efforts to manufacture eligibility for an immigration benefit, rather than treating every applicant as part of an immigration fraud scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sentence did Parth Nayi receive?
Nayi was sentenced to two years in federal prison and fined $50,000 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit visa fraud.
What is a U visa?
A U visa, formally U nonimmigrant status, is an immigration protection for qualifying crime victims who meet legal requirements and assist law enforcement in an investigation or prosecution.
What did prosecutors say the staged robberies were used for?
Prosecutors said the staged robberies were used to create false claims that participants were victims of qualifying crimes so they could submit fraudulent U visa applications.
How can suspected immigration benefit fraud be reported?
USCIS directs the public to report suspected immigration benefit fraud or abuse through its Secure Tip Portal. Immediate threats should be reported to local law enforcement or emergency services.
Fact-Checked: The sentencing, dates, alleged scheme, U visa context and five additional convictions were checked against the USCIS release, the Northern District of Illinois announcement and USCIS program materials. ([justice.gov](https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndil/pr/suburban-chicago-man-sentenced-two-years-federal-prison-staging-robberies-help-others?utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: This article is informational and is not legal advice. Immigration outcomes depend on the facts of each individual case.
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