Major Federal Crackdown on Healthcare Fraud Involving Billions
In a significant crackdown on healthcare fraud, federal authorities have indicted hundreds involved in schemes totaling billions. Among them is Khalid Ahmed Satary, a fugitive now on the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list. Satary, originally indicted in 2019 in the Eastern District of Louisiana, is accused of spearheading a healthcare fraud operation with diagnostic testing laboratories that allegedly charged Medicare over $547 million.
The Department of Justice has identified 455 defendants in this massive scheme, accused of false billing, kickbacks, and unwarranted procedures, collectively defrauding taxpayers of approximately $6.5 billion. This marks one of the largest operations in terms of individuals involved in healthcare fraud.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced Satary's inclusion on the list during a Justice Department news conference. Facing charges including healthcare fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering, Satary absconded after being released on bond, prompting a federal arrest warrant in November 2022. Authorities suspect he is currently in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Satary allegedly operated several laboratories, including Performance Laboratories in Oklahoma, Lazarus Services in Louisiana, and Clio Labs in Georgia. His fraudulent activities reportedly involved securing unnecessary cancer genetic tests from Medicare beneficiaries via telemarketing and health fairs. These procedures were approved by telemedicine doctors who had not consulted the patients, raising significant regulatory compliance concerns.
Federal prosecutors assert that Satary and his associates paid illegal kickbacks to obtain physician orders and authorize unwarranted tests. Together, these operations submitted Medicare claims exceeding $547 million. Authorities have seized numerous bank accounts and restrained real estate connected to this investigation as part of their risk management strategies.
The FBI and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General offer up to $150,000 for information leading to Satary’s capture and conviction. Known for using several aliases, Satary remains a high priority for law enforcement. The public is urged to provide any information through the FBI’s local offices or online tip portal.