Massive scheme exposed—what officials say this means for your healthcare
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For those who rely on crucial health programs or simply want to know how tax dollars are really being spent, this may be hard to hear.
A sweeping new operation has just been announced, and it’s shining a harsh light on a fraud that touches every corner of the country.
Authorities are calling it the largest case of its kind in American history.
And now, many are wondering just how long this has gone unnoticed—and what it could mean for the future.
Federal investigators have announced nearly $15 billion in reported losses due to fraudulent medical activity.
The Department of Justice said 324 people have been charged across 50 federal districts.
This includes 96 medical professionals—doctors and nurses who were trusted to care for patients but are now accused of fueling the very crisis they were meant to heal.
Authorities seized $245 million in assets, including luxury vehicles and high-end properties.
According to the DOJ, one of the largest scams involved foreign nationals buying up dozens of American medical supply companies to file more than $10 billion in false claims to Medicare.
Officials say over one million Americans had their identities stolen and used in these schemes.
These were not limited to one area—the scams occurred in all 50 states and were linked to criminal operations based in Russia, Pakistan, and other countries.
Some suspects were caught while trying to enter or leave the country at US airports and at the US–Mexico border.
Deputy Director of the FBI Dan Bongino called the scale of theft “a crime against all of us.”
“We view the theft of public funds the same way,” he said. “It’s a crime against all of us.”
Bongino also added, “Results matter. Talk is cheap. And this is not even the beginning of the beginning. If you're stealing from the public, or violating your oath to serve, then we're coming for you too.”
Also read: Are you at risk? Representative reveals how UnitedHealthcare might be taking advantage of Medicare
The DOJ said one of the major schemes relied on fake medical billing from supply companies that never delivered any actual products.
These entities would submit claims for equipment like wheelchairs or orthotics that were never ordered or received—often using identities of real people who had no idea.
Meanwhile, a separate investigation dismantled pill mill operations, in which doctors prescribed unnecessary opioids and pharmacists distributed them.
Officials say these efforts were designed to profit from addiction rather than treat illness.
Matthew Galeotti, head of the DOJ’s Criminal Division, said, “Every fraudulent claim, every fake billing, every kickback scheme represents money taken directly from the pockets of American taxpayers, who fund these essential programs through their hard work and sacrifice.”
“The days of transnational criminal organizations using the American healthcare programs as their personal piggy bank are over,” he said.
In response to the scale of the crisis, the DOJ announced a new effort: a health care data fusion center.
This collaboration between the DOJ, FBI, and Department of Health and Human Services aims to “revolutionize” how health care fraud is detected and prosecuted.
Officials say the center will use advanced data tools and analytics to identify patterns and stop fraud before it spirals out of control.
Juliet T. Hodgkins, Acting Inspector General, emphasized the power of interagency cooperation.
“The results announced today were only possible through a strong partnership of federal and state agencies,” she said.
“By working shoulder to shoulder, we harness the best information, tools, and expertise to find criminals no matter where they hide and no matter how they try to disguise their crimes.”
Also read: Cancer-stricken senior targeted in alleged fraud; local woman faces charges
For everyday Americans, officials say there are steps that can help prevent fraud on an individual level.
They encourage regularly reviewing Medicare or insurance statements and reporting any suspicious charges—especially for services or products never received.
People should also be cautious about giving out personal information, such as Medicare or Social Security numbers, especially in unsolicited phone calls or emails.
While the scope of the fraud is staggering, authorities hope the message is clear.
These investigations will continue, and those exploiting vulnerable systems will be found—whether they operate locally or from foreign shores.
Read next: Protect your Social Security now: Insider tips from US government on handling suspected fraud
Have you ever seen suspicious charges on your medical statements? Do you have tips on how to avoid scams or want to share a story? The GrayVine community love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below to help others stay safe and informed.
A sweeping new operation has just been announced, and it’s shining a harsh light on a fraud that touches every corner of the country.
Authorities are calling it the largest case of its kind in American history.
And now, many are wondering just how long this has gone unnoticed—and what it could mean for the future.
Federal investigators have announced nearly $15 billion in reported losses due to fraudulent medical activity.
The Department of Justice said 324 people have been charged across 50 federal districts.
This includes 96 medical professionals—doctors and nurses who were trusted to care for patients but are now accused of fueling the very crisis they were meant to heal.
Authorities seized $245 million in assets, including luxury vehicles and high-end properties.
According to the DOJ, one of the largest scams involved foreign nationals buying up dozens of American medical supply companies to file more than $10 billion in false claims to Medicare.
A sweeping new operation has just been announced, and it’s shining a harsh light on a fraud that touches every corner of the country. Image Source: Tara Winstead / Pexels
Officials say over one million Americans had their identities stolen and used in these schemes.
These were not limited to one area—the scams occurred in all 50 states and were linked to criminal operations based in Russia, Pakistan, and other countries.
Some suspects were caught while trying to enter or leave the country at US airports and at the US–Mexico border.
Deputy Director of the FBI Dan Bongino called the scale of theft “a crime against all of us.”
“We view the theft of public funds the same way,” he said. “It’s a crime against all of us.”
Bongino also added, “Results matter. Talk is cheap. And this is not even the beginning of the beginning. If you're stealing from the public, or violating your oath to serve, then we're coming for you too.”
Also read: Are you at risk? Representative reveals how UnitedHealthcare might be taking advantage of Medicare
The DOJ said one of the major schemes relied on fake medical billing from supply companies that never delivered any actual products.
These entities would submit claims for equipment like wheelchairs or orthotics that were never ordered or received—often using identities of real people who had no idea.
Meanwhile, a separate investigation dismantled pill mill operations, in which doctors prescribed unnecessary opioids and pharmacists distributed them.
Officials say these efforts were designed to profit from addiction rather than treat illness.
Matthew Galeotti, head of the DOJ’s Criminal Division, said, “Every fraudulent claim, every fake billing, every kickback scheme represents money taken directly from the pockets of American taxpayers, who fund these essential programs through their hard work and sacrifice.”
Galeotti also stressed that these crimes don’t just steal money—they threaten the future of programs like Medicare and Medicaid that millions depend on.“The days of transnational criminal organizations using the American healthcare programs as their personal piggy bank are over,” he said.
In response to the scale of the crisis, the DOJ announced a new effort: a health care data fusion center.
This collaboration between the DOJ, FBI, and Department of Health and Human Services aims to “revolutionize” how health care fraud is detected and prosecuted.
Officials say the center will use advanced data tools and analytics to identify patterns and stop fraud before it spirals out of control.
Juliet T. Hodgkins, Acting Inspector General, emphasized the power of interagency cooperation.
“The results announced today were only possible through a strong partnership of federal and state agencies,” she said.
“By working shoulder to shoulder, we harness the best information, tools, and expertise to find criminals no matter where they hide and no matter how they try to disguise their crimes.”
Also read: Cancer-stricken senior targeted in alleged fraud; local woman faces charges
For everyday Americans, officials say there are steps that can help prevent fraud on an individual level.
They encourage regularly reviewing Medicare or insurance statements and reporting any suspicious charges—especially for services or products never received.
People should also be cautious about giving out personal information, such as Medicare or Social Security numbers, especially in unsolicited phone calls or emails.
While the scope of the fraud is staggering, authorities hope the message is clear.
These investigations will continue, and those exploiting vulnerable systems will be found—whether they operate locally or from foreign shores.
Read next: Protect your Social Security now: Insider tips from US government on handling suspected fraud
