In a shocking revelation, top Louisiana police officials have been caught red-handed orchestrating a massive visa fraud scheme, leaving the community in disbelief and demanding answers.
Visa Fraud Scheme Unveiled
Between 2015 and July 2025, a group in central Louisiana orchestrated a scheme that exploited the U-visa and H-2B visa programs. By fabricating police reports and job offers, they enabled foreign nationals to fraudulently apply for visas. This included creating fake reports of armed robberies and assaults that never occurred, allowing immigrants to apply for U-visas under false pretenses. The operation was uncovered when authorities noticed an unusual concentration of reported armed robberies, involving non-Louisiana residents, in small communities, prompting a federal investigation.
In central Louisiana, small-town police departments and local businesses were implicated. The investigation, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana, involved Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, Louisiana State Police, and the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The Key Players and Their Motivations
Chandrakant “Lala” Patel, a businessman, was identified as the ringleader. He used his companies to orchestrate the fraud, paying law enforcement officials for fabricated reports. Police Chiefs Chad Doyle and Glynn Dixon, along with former Police Chief Tebo Onishea and Marshal Mike “Freck” Slaney, allegedly accepted bribes to file false reports. Patel charged immigrants thousands of dollars for fraudulent visa opportunities, exploiting their desperation for legal status.
If convicted they need to put these fools under the jail.
“A group of Louisiana police chiefs are accused of colluding in a decade-long scheme to falsify police reports to help foreign nationals get visas meant for crime victims or witnesses.” pic.twitter.com/vcvnBPx3PQ
— The Union of Black America (@BurnEr92976227) July 17, 2025
The power dynamics in this scheme were clear. Patel, as the central figure, manipulated law enforcement officials, who used their authority to betray the trust of the communities they served. Federal prosecutors and agencies acted as investigators and enforcers, working to dismantle the operation and hold the perpetrators accountable.
Indictments and Arrests
On July 16, 2025, federal prosecutors announced indictments against Patel, Doyle, Dixon, Onishea, and Slaney. Doyle and Dixon were arrested at a Baton Rouge hotel during a police chiefs’ conference. All five face charges of conspiracy to commit visa fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering. Patel also faces a bribery charge. U.S. Attorney Alexander Van Hook emphasized that the allegations were against individuals, not entire departments, highlighting the abuse of the U-visa program’s intended purpose.
FBI Special Agent Jonathan Tapp condemned the betrayal of public trust by law enforcement officers. The defendants have been indicted and taken into custody, with the investigation ongoing. Federal agencies continue to review the extent of the fraud and the number of fraudulent visas issued.
Implications and Impact
The immediate arrests and indictments of law enforcement officials and a businessman have disrupted a fraudulent visa pipeline. This has potential consequences, such as the revocation of fraudulently obtained visas and the erosion of public trust in local law enforcement, especially in immigrant communities. The case may lead to policy changes or increased oversight of the U-visa and H-2B visa programs to prevent future abuse.
Breaking:
Four Louisiana cops and a businessman allegedly ran a fake U-Visa scheme, falsely claiming illegals were crime victims for profit pic.twitter.com/1mPs65isDh— Global Report (@Globalrepport) July 16, 2025
The accused face legal consequences, including possible prison sentences of up to 20 years and fines up to $250,000 per count. This case has sparked broader scrutiny of law enforcement practices and immigration-related fraud nationwide. Immigration advocacy groups may push for reforms to protect vulnerable immigrants from exploitation, while the visa processing and law enforcement sectors may see increased audits and compliance requirements.