Telugu-Origin Men Sampath Rajidi and Sreedhar Mada Plead Guilty in Major H-1B Visa Fraud Case in California – “Dollar Dream” Turns Sour

Dublin, California / April 20, 2026 – In a significant development that serves as a cautionary tale for H-1B visa aspirants, two Telugu-origin men from the East Bay area have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit visa fraud.

Sampath Rajidi (51) and Sreedhar Mada (51), both residents of Dublin, California, entered their guilty pleas on April 16, 2026, before a U.S. federal court. U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced the development, underscoring the ongoing crackdown on misuse of the H-1B visa program.

Details of the Alleged Fraud Scheme

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, between June 2020 and January 2023, Rajidi and Mada conspired to submit fraudulent H-1B visa petitions for numerous foreign beneficiaries.

• Sampath Rajidi operated two visa consulting and staffing companies — S-Team Software Inc. and Uptrend Technologies LLC.
• The petitions falsely claimed that the H-1B workers would be employed in specialty occupation roles for the University of California (specifically referencing UC Agriculture and Natural Resources in Davis).
• Sreedhar Mada, who reportedly served as Chief Information Officer at UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, allegedly assisted in the scheme, lending credibility to the false claims.

Prosecutors stated that the duo submitted false information knowing it was material to decisions made by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This allowed them to gain an unfair advantage over legitimate companies and depleted the limited pool of H-1B visas available to genuine applicants.

After approval, the visas were reportedly used or transferred to other clients, while the promised University of California jobs did not exist.

Legal Consequences

Both men now face a maximum penalty of:

• Up to 5 years in federal prison
• A fine of up to $250,000

Sentencing is scheduled for July 30, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley.

The University of California was informed of the investigation in 2024, and authorities have confirmed that no actual UC positions were involved.

A Cautionary Tale for the Indian Diaspora

This case highlights the risks associated with the high-stakes pursuit of the American “Dollar Dream” through the H-1B visa route. For many Indian professionals — especially from Telugu-speaking states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana — the H-1B visa represents a pathway to better opportunities in the United States.

However, incidents like this damage the reputation of genuine applicants and contribute to increased scrutiny of the entire H-1B system. U.S. authorities have been ramping up enforcement against visa fraud, including cases involving body shops, fake job offers, and misuse of employer names.

Important Message for H-1B Aspirants and NRIs:

• Always verify the legitimacy of consultants and employers.
• Ensure all documents and job offers are genuine and verifiable.
• Avoid deals that sound too good to be true, especially those promising easy placements at prestigious institutions.
• Legitimate H-1B processes require proper sponsorship, actual job roles, and compliance with USCIS rules.

The Indian community in the U.S., particularly in the Bay Area’s large Telugu population, has reacted with disappointment, urging young professionals to pursue opportunities through transparent and lawful channels.

Broader Context

H-1B visa fraud cases have drawn attention in recent years as the U.S. administration continues efforts to reform the program and prevent abuse. Such schemes not only harm American workers and legitimate employers but also create hurdles for thousands of honest Indian talent seeking to contribute to the U.S. tech industry.

NRIGlobe.com will continue to monitor the case and provide updates on the sentencing in July 2026.

Have you come across similar H-1B consultancy experiences? Share your thoughts responsibly in the comments below. Let this serve as a reminder to stay vigilant while chasing dreams in America.