⏱ 2 min read
In a shocking case of Medicaid fraud, three Latham taxi operators and employees have been charged in a $660,000 scam that involved false claims, illegal kickbacks, and inducements to generate Medicaid reimbursements. Muhammad Zishan, Madiha Javed, and Ghazali Shaikh were indicted by a federal grand jury in Albany, New York, as part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. The scheme allegedly exploited Medicaid transportation services, with the defendants offering kickbacks and billing Medicaid improperly for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The superseding indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, as well as pay health care kickbacks. The charges were announced by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli, HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz, and New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
The investigation was part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, which aims to target those who exploit federally funded health care systems for private gain. According to authorities, the defendants’ conduct reflects a deliberate effort to drain public funds through fraud and distort a program designed to serve those in need across New York.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat Medicaid fraud and protect taxpayer dollars from abuse. As stated by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, his office will continue to target those who weaponize federally funded health care systems for private gain and safeguard taxpayer dollars from abuse.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: New York
- Location: NY
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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