Illegal immigrants helped Russian scammers steal nearly $1 billion in fraudulent health payments
Russian-led scammers bought out legitimate U.S. medical companies, stole the identities of more than 1 million Americans and submitted $10.6 billion in bogus claims under their names, federal authorities revealed Monday in announcing what they called the largest medical fraud takedown in American history.
Medicare managed to stop most of the payments, but the scammers walked away with nearly $1 billion in fraudulent payments from Medicare and “Medigap” insurers, prosecutors charged in an indictment handed up in federal court in New York.
The Russia-based operation also used temporary visitors and illegal immigrants in the U.S. to open accounts at American banks to help move the money without triggering anti-laundering controls. The money was funneled to accounts in places such as China, Pakistan and Israel.
The takedown, which authorities dubbed Operation Gold Rush, was part of a larger campaign against medical fraud that led to charges against 324 people.
Investigators detailed degrading decisions such as prescribing and delivering needless skin grafts to people receiving end-of-life treatment and then billing Uncle Sam or the insurers for the costs.
The scams totaled more than $14.6 billion in bogus claims and $2.9 billion in payouts.
Of the 324 people charged, 25 were doctors. Dozens more had other medical licenses.
“These criminals didn’t just steal someone else’s money. They stole from you,” said Matthew Galeotti, head of the Justice Department’s criminal division. “Every fraudulent claim, every fake billing, every kickback scheme represents money taken directly from the pockets of American taxpayers who fund these essential programs through their hard work and sacrifice.” --->READ MORE HERE
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| Brian A. Jackson/South Florida Sun Sentinel |
The Brief
- 48 Texans are among 324 individuals nationwide indicted in a massive health care fraud crackdown. These schemes involve over $14.6 billion in alleged losses to federal health care programs.
- The charges in Texas cover a wide range of alleged frauds, including COVID-19 testing scams, opioid trafficking, durable medical equipment fraud, and genetic testing schemes.
- Authorities seized over $245 million in illicit gains as part of the coordinated operation, with CMS also preventing over $4 billion in false claims from being paid.
48 people from Texas are among 324 defendants nationwide facing criminal charges in the Justice Department’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, authorities announced on Monday. More than $14.6 Billion in alleged fraud
More than $14.6 Billion in alleged fraud
Big picture view: These alleged schemes collectively involve more than $14.6 billion in intended losses to federal health care programs. The widespread enforcement effort underscores a commitment to combat health care fraud that exploits patients and taxpayers.
The Texas-based charges highlight a range of alleged fraudulent activities, from elaborate COVID-19 testing scams and prescription opioid trafficking to schemes involving durable medical equipment and genetic testing.
Federal and state law enforcement agencies seized more than $245 million in illicit gains, including cash, luxury vehicles, and cryptocurrency, as part of the coordinated operation. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) also announced it had prevented more than $4 billion in false claims from being paid and revoked the billing privileges of 205 providers. --->READ MORE HEREFollow links below to relevant/related stories and resources:
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