More Than 320 Charged in Record $14.6 Billion Health Care Fraud Bust, DOJ Says
In what officials are calling the largest health care fraud takedown in U.S. history, federal and state prosecutors have charged over 320 individuals in schemes totaling a staggering $14.6 billion in false claims.
The Justice Department announced Monday that the nationwide sweep uncovered nearly $15 billion in fraudulent activity, involving complex scams that spanned across state lines—and even international borders. The crackdown also led to the seizure of more than $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, cryptocurrency, and other high-value assets.
“This isn’t just about numbers on a page,” said Matthew Galeotti, head of the DOJ’s criminal division. “These criminals didn’t just steal from programs—they stole directly from American taxpayers who fund them with their hard work.”
A Record-Breaking Fraud Takedown
This year’s takedown more than doubles the size of the previous record-breaking health care fraud crackdown. Since June 9, prosecutors have brought nearly 190 federal cases and over 90 state-level cases. Among those charged are nearly 100 licensed medical professionals, including 25 doctors. While the alleged fraud totals $14.6 billion, authorities estimate actual losses around $2.9 billion.
International Crime Rings Targeting U.S. Health Care
Officials say this operation exposed a growing trend: transnational criminal networks exploiting the U.S. health care system with increasingly sophisticated tactics.
Perpetrators linked to countries like Russia, Eastern Europe, and Pakistan were involved, using stolen patient identities and confidential medical data to submit fake claims—mostly targeting Medicare.
“These are not small-time operators,” said Dr. Mehmet Oz, head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “These are highly organized syndicates trying to hurt America.”
The $10 Billion Catheter Scam: “Operation Gold Rush”
One of the most jaw-dropping schemes uncovered is a $10 billion fraud involving urinary catheters—a case authorities have dubbed “Operation Gold Rush.” Prosecutors say the perpetrators secretly acquired dozens of medical supply companies using foreign straw owners, then used the personal data of over one million Americans to submit fraudulent Medicare claims.
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Nineteen individuals have been charged in connection with that scheme alone. Four were arrested in Estonia, while seven others were picked up at U.S. airports and at the U.S.-Mexico border.
A Warning to Criminals—and a Message to the Public
Justice officials say the bust sends a clear message: health care fraud, especially on this scale, won’t go unchecked. They also emphasized the broader impact of these crimes—not just on government programs, but on everyday Americans.
“Every fake billing or kickback scheme drains resources meant for those who truly need care,” Galeotti said. “When criminals cheat the system, they’re stealing from all of us.”
Source: AP News – More than 300 charged in $14.6 billion health care fraud schemes takedown, Justice Department says
