Charges were filed today against 25 Miami-area defendants in three separate cases for their alleged participation in various schemes to defraud Medicare of approximately $26 million in false claims through the Medicare Part D program.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida, Assistant Special Agent in Charge William J. Maddalena of the FBI’s Miami Division and Special Agent in Charge Shimon R. Richmond of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office made the announcement.
“These cases build on our recent efforts to focus on Medicare prescription drug benefit fraud, targeting those who take advantage of the fastest-growing component of the Medicare program,” said Assistant Attorney General Caldwell. “Working with our partners in the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, the Criminal Division uses cutting-edge data analysis techniques to identify emerging fraud schemes and to stay ahead of the criminal curve.”
“Those who commit Medicare fraud through the filing of false claims, payment or receipt of kickbacks, or fraudulent medical practices jeopardize the integrity of the government benefit programs that countless citizens rely on for their well-being,” said U.S. Attorney Ferrer. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement allies will continue to pro-actively identify for prosecution the individuals who pay kick-backs for the unauthorized use of Medicare benefits for their own illicit financial gain.”
“The actions of the FBI and our partners in the Medicare Fraud Strike Force have disrupted several health care fraud operations today,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Maddalena. “Unfortunately, South Florida remains ground zero for these types of scams. As such, we will continue to pursue those individuals who pay kickbacks and fraudulently bill for medical services that are not necessary or ever provided.”
“A dangerous trend is fraudulent pharmacy billing for drugs,” said Special Agent in Charge Richmond. “But exploitation of the Medicare prescription drug benefit will not be tolerated and suspects will face aggressive investigation and prosecution.”
