ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Federal prosecutors have hit Richmond’s health care fraud kingpin Jawad Bhatti with a staggering $14.6 billion in charges, marking the largest takedown of its kind.
In what officials are calling an unprecedented move against health care corruption, U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert announced criminal charges against Bhatti, 54, and five others for their alleged roles in a massive scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid. The defendants are accused of bilking programs intended for the elderly and disabled.
“This record-setting Health Care Fraud Takedown delivers justice to those who prey upon our most vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Criminals like Bhatti steal from hardworking taxpayers and endanger public health.”
Bhatti, the alleged orchestrator of the scheme, stands accused of receiving three FDA-unapproved devices that produce medical ozone gas—a substance with no known medical application—then using them in his pain management practice. He is also charged with false statements related to health care matters and administering a misbranded drug.
“Health care fraud not only wastes valuable resources but also jeopardizes patient safety and trust,” said Siebert. “Our office, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to combat fraud in all its forms.”
The investigation has resulted in over $245 million in assets seized, including cash and luxury vehicles. The FBI’s Director Kash Patel emphasized the commitment of law enforcement to pursuing those who exploit health care systems for personal gain.
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Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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