BROOKLYN, NY – A massive health care fraud scheme has been cracked by the Department of Justice, as fifteen individuals, including two pharmacists, face charges for bilking Medicare and Medicaid programs out of more than $10.6 billion.
The ring, a transnational criminal organization based in Russia, is accused of orchestrating a multi-billion-dollar fraud and money laundering scheme under the alias “Operation Gold Rush.” This monumental theft from American taxpayers and government-funded health care programs marks the largest case by loss amount ever charged by the DOJ.
United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi led the charge against these criminal predators, declaring, “This record-setting Health Care Fraud Takedown delivers justice to those who prey upon our most vulnerable citizens.”
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Joseph Nocella, Jr., echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the administration’s zero-tolerance policy for those who steal from government programs. “My Office is working closely with law enforcement partners to investigate and track down these criminals who treat government funded programs like ATMs,” said Nocella.
Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, stressed the importance of the fight against health care fraud: “These schemes often result in physical patient harm and contribute to our opioid epidemic while stealing money intended for the care of our elders.”
HHS-OIG Deputy Inspector General Christian J. Schrank highlighted the collaborative efforts that prevented billions in fraudulent claims from being paid, emphasizing their commitment to protecting federal health care programs.
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- Contractor John McClure Faces Decade-Long Prison Term in Fraud Scam · Washington
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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