Related Federal Cases
- Letitia James, Health Insurance Fraud, New York 2023 · Washington
- Christopher Ferguson, Securities Fraud, New York 2020 · Ohio
- Todd Faustin, Workers’ Compensation Fraud, New York NY, 2023 · New York
- Sark Wire Corporation, PPP Loan Fraud, New York 2023 · Ohio
- Sark Wire Corporation, PPP Loan Fraud, New York 2020 · New York
12 Health Care Professionals Charged in Medicare Fraud Scheme in New York
Twelve individuals, including three medical doctors, a doctor of osteopathy and a chiropractor, were charged today in the Eastern District of New York for their roles in separate health care fraud schemes that resulted in the submission of more than $95 million in false claims to the Medicare program.
The defendants are charged with a variety of health care fraud-related and money laundering offenses in two indictments and a superseding indictment filed in federal court in Brooklyn, N.Y. Eleven defendants were arrested or surrendered to authorities today. The last defendant is expected to surrender at a later time.
“Today 12 individuals – including three medical doctors and other licensed health professionals – were charged with participating in sophisticated Medicare fraud and money laundering schemes throughout Brooklyn and Queens,” said Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division. “According to court documents, these defendants sought to profit by stealing millions of taxpayer dollars from the Medicare program and laundering the proceeds of this illegal activity.
The Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which operates in nine cities across the country, will continue to aggressively pursue those intent on cheating American taxpayers and stealing from the Medicare program.
“These defendants allegedly invested significant time and energy in subterfuge to conceal their ill-gotten government funds. Money laundering is a critical part of large-scale health care fraud schemes and often the most difficult piece to unravel. Law enforcement will not be deterred by the schemes and evasions used to hide these proceeds of fraud. We will ‘follow the money’ and bring to justice all who would engage in financial transactions designed to disguise the proceeds of Medicare fraud,” stated Loretta E. Lynch, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
According to a superseding indictment, five defendants are charged for their roles in a scheme to launder the proceeds of Medicare fraud at three Brooklyn-area medical clinics: Bay Medical Care PC, SVS Wellcare Medical PLLC, and SZS Medical Care PLLC. These clinics allegedly paid kickbacks to Medicare beneficiaries and used the beneficiaries’ names to bill Medicare for approximately $71 million in services that were medically unnecessary and never provided. Larisa Shelabadova, 34, Alexander Zaretser, 31, Anatoly Kraiter, 33, Vladimir Kornev, 52, and Yelena Galper, 38, all of Brooklyn, are charged for participating in the money laundering scheme.
A second indictment alleges that six defendants, including three medical doctors, are charged with health care fraud and money laundering offenses for their roles in a scheme to submit approximately $24 million in false claims to the Medicare program. The indictment alleges that these defendants conspired to submit claims for medically unnecessary services, including physical therapy and durable medical equipment, and to launder the proceeds of this illegal activity.
The charges include health care fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy. If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The investigation was led by the FBI and the HHS-OIG, with assistance from the New York State Attorney General’s Office.
** Defendant Information **
- Larisa Shelabadova, 34, Brooklyn, NY, charged with health care fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy, May 21, 2023
- Alexander Zaretser, 31, Brooklyn, NY, charged with health care fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy, May 21, 2023
- Anatoly Kraiter, 33, Brooklyn, NY, charged with health care fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy, May 21, 2023
- Vladimir Kornev, 52, Brooklyn, NY, charged with health care fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy, May 21, 2023
- Yelena Galper, 38, Brooklyn, NY, charged with health care fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy, May 21, 2023
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News