Federal Judge Sentences Chicago Man for Visa Fraud
Parth Nayi received a two-year prison sentence for his role in organizing a multimillion-dollar fraudulent U-visa scheme.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Financial Crime
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A federal judge sentenced Chicago resident Parth Nayi to two years in prison for masterminding a scheme that generated over $3 million in illicit gains. Nayi pleaded guilty in January 2026 to orchestrating the fraud, which involved staging fake armed robberies to secure U-visa applications.
Why it matters
The scheme exploited the U-visa program, a legal pathway intended to help crime victims, by recruiting fake victims and business owners to file fraudulent applications. By manufacturing crimes, Nayi undermined the integrity of a system designed to support legitimate victims of violence.
A federal judge sentenced Nayi to two years in prison and a $50,000 fine, following his January 2026 guilty plea. While three co-defendants have already been sentenced, Kewon Young is scheduled for sentencing in early 2027.
The players
Parth Nayi
The Woodridge, Illinois resident was identified as the organizer who earned $3 million over three years running the fraudulent scheme.
Kewon Young
A resident of Mansfield, Ohio, he pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme and is awaiting sentencing in 2027.
The details
Nayi recruited individuals to pose as victims and robbers at various businesses, paying owners to facilitate the staging of fake armed robberies. These activities were designed to create the false criminal records necessary to submit fraudulent U-visa applications.
Timeline
2000: The U-visa program was established under federal anti-trafficking law.
January 2026: Parth Nayi entered a formal guilty plea for his role in the scheme.
October 15, 2026: A federal judge sentenced Parth Nayi to two years in prison.
Early 2027: Kewon Young is currently scheduled for his sentencing hearing.
Legal Context
The case highlights vulnerabilities in the U-visa program established in 2000, which is intended to provide legal status to victims of crimes. This prosecution underscores the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to detect and dismantle organized fraud within the immigration system.
This case highlights local vulnerabilities to immigration fraud, leading to increased federal scrutiny of visa application documentation in the Chicago area. Residents should be aware that participating in or facilitating fraudulent immigration schemes carries severe criminal penalties.
The takeaway
Fraudulent use of the U-visa program threatens the legal pathway for genuine victims of violent crimes. Authorities continue to monitor visa applications for signs of staged criminal activity to ensure the program remains available for those it was designed to protect.
What happens next
Kewon Young is scheduled for his sentencing hearing in early 2027.
Further reading
For more information on local enforcement actions, visit the Chicago Financial Crime section.
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