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.

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

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Former Trump education official Linda McMahon is taking aim at President Biden’s student loan forgiveness policies, calling them irresponsible and unfair to taxpayers — while accusing colleges of cashing in on the chaos.

In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, McMahon defended the Department of Education’s decision to resume debt collections starting May 5, targeting roughly 5.3 million borrowers who are in default. She didn’t mince words, blaming the Biden administration for enabling massive debt accumulation under the false promise of blanket forgiveness.

McMahon argued that colleges — despite their nonprofit status — have benefited enormously from federal student loans.

“For years they’ve hiked tuition and built up billion-dollar endowments, all while students graduate buried under six-figure debt,” she wrote.
“Colleges and universities call themselves nonprofits, but they’ve profited massively off the federal subsidy of loans.”

She stressed the need for accountability — not just from borrowers, but also from higher education institutions. “As we push to hold students accountable, we will also demand that colleges be transparent and responsible.”

Student loan payments were first paused in 2020 under President Trump as part of COVID-19 relief efforts. But McMahon criticized Biden for extending the pause and pushing sweeping forgiveness programs that she said lacked legal authority.

“Biden dangled the carrot of loan forgiveness in front of young voters,” McMahon said, arguing it led many to take on more debt with no real plan for repayment.

She announced a full reversal of what she called “zero-interest, zero-accountability” policies. Moving forward, borrowers in default will face serious consequences — from lowered credit scores to wage garnishment.

The Education Department confirmed that about 1.8 million borrowers will be moved into repayment plans as collections restart in May. McMahon emphasized that the decision isn’t about being harsh — it’s about restoring fiscal responsibility.

“Borrowing money and not paying it back isn’t a victimless offense. Debt doesn’t vanish — it shifts to taxpayers,” she said.

She added that unlike car or mortgage loans, student loans come with a public cost. The goal, she said, is to make sure borrowers are supported in repayment, and that colleges can no longer saddle students with unaffordable debt.

The numbers tell a troubling story. Over 42.7 million Americans now owe more than $1.6 trillion in federal student loans, according to the Department of Education. The agency warned the system is heading toward a “fiscal cliff.”

Even more alarming, over 5 million borrowers haven’t made a single payment in more than a year — with some skipping payments for over seven years.

McMahon’s message is clear: forgiveness without accountability has backfired — on borrowers, taxpayers, and the nation’s finances. With loan collections set to resume, her approach signals a tougher stance and a call for deeper reforms within higher education.

Source: NYPOST – Trump’s education boss reveals greedy truth behind Biden’s student loan forgiveness: ‘They have profited massively’

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The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, is looking to charge at least one federal agency millions of dollars for its work to streamline and modernize government operations.

The Deal with OPM: What’s at Stake?

According to a draft agreement obtained by CNN, DOGE is asking the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to fund 20 full-time positions for work scheduled between January 20 and July 4, 2026. The bill for this service could surpass $4 million.

The proposed work aims to modernize OPM’s outdated systems. The draft outlines a “critical need for rapid and thorough IT modernization,” which OPM is unable to handle internally. Under the terms, OPM would need to grant DOGE access to its data, systems, and provide necessary operational and technical support.

DOGE’s Mission: Efficiency or Controversy?

DOGE’s supporters, including Musk, argue that the department’s efforts are designed to make the government more efficient and save taxpayers money. However, critics are concerned about the department’s broader agenda — specifically its plans to reduce federal workforce size and access sensitive government data.

It’s still unclear whether DOGE intends to charge other federal agencies for similar services, as little is known about its budget and operations. DOGE is structured to avoid public disclosure under federal records laws, as it’s housed within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), part of the White House. This setup allows DOGE to function with the protections of executive privilege, shielding it from some oversight.

A Costly Agreement: How Much Will OPM Pay?

The draft agreement outlines that OPM would need to pay DOGE in advance each month for the work. While the agreement allows for some flexibility — including the potential for less work or reimbursements — it remains unclear whether any payments have been made so far.

Key Points from the Agreement:

• Position Funding: The full-time positions would be funded at the highest federal pay grades, typically reserved for senior managers. For example, the base annual salary for a position at this level is around $141,817, with the potential to reach $189,950 for positions based in Washington, D.C.
• Total Cost: Funding 20 full-time positions at the base salary over 17.5 months would add up to approximately $4.1 million.

One OPM employee, speaking to CNN anonymously, noted that although some may think people are “working for free,” the agency is, in fact, paying for the services. “It’s like having a contract with an entity to perform services, except this is forced on us,” the employee said.

Musk’s Role in DOGE

Musk’s involvement in the government is not new. President Donald Trump appointed him as a “special government employee” — a title that doesn’t fully capture his influence. Musk has attended Cabinet meetings and played an instrumental role in reshaping government operations through DOGE, which was previously known as the United States Digital Service (USDS) before Trump rebranded it on his first day in office.

While Musk has described himself as a volunteer, his department consists of highly skilled software engineers and tech professionals, many of whom could be earning far more in the private sector. “Some people are federal employees,” Musk said in a recent interview with Fox News. “But it’s fair to say that the software engineers at DOGE could be earning millions of dollars a year, and instead are earning a small fraction of that as federal employees.”

Lack of Transparency and Accountability

Despite its lofty goals, DOGE has faced significant scrutiny over its lack of transparency. With little information available about its budget, operations, and specific funding sources, taxpayers are left in the dark about the true costs of Musk’s government efficiency projects.

As the deal with OPM moves forward, the question remains: is DOGE truly saving the government money, or is this another example of unchecked federal spending under the guise of efficiency?

Source

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