Sheikh Mohammed Khurshan, Disability Benefits Fraud, Pennsylvania 2013

PHILADELPHIA MAN CHARGED IN DISABILITY BENEFITS SCAM

Sheikh Mohammed Khurshan, 55, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged by indictment, unsealed today, in a disability benefits fraud, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. Khurshan is charged with 11 counts of wire fraud, 16 counts of health care fraud, one count of Social Security fraud, one count of false statements, and one count of false statements in connection with an application for a passport.

According to the indictment, the defendant applied for and received disability benefits from the Social Security Administration while lying and concealing his work activity. As a result of this allegedly fraudulent application for disability benefits, the defendant also received health care services and treatment under Medicare and Medicaid.

The defendant also applied for a replacement passport, allegedly lying that his passport had been lost. The defendant’s alleged actions resulted in a loss to the Social Security Administration of $145,166.24, and a loss to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services of $181,851.86.

If convicted, the defendant faces a substantial period of incarceration, a period of supervised release, forfeiture, a possible fine, restitution of $327,018.10, and a $3,000 special assessment. It is a stark reminder of the severity of the consequences for those who abuse the system for personal gain.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the Diplomatic Security Service. Assistance was provided by the FBI and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Amanda R. Reinitz.

An Indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The investigation and prosecution of this case serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding the integrity of our social safety net programs and holding accountable those who seek to defraud them.

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