324 Doctors and Healthcare Experts Charged in Fraud Worth 14.6 Billion Dollars in U.S. DOJ's 2025 Healthcare Fraud Crackdown
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jul 01, 2025 6 hours, 34 minutes ago
U.S. Medical News: The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has unveiled its most extensive healthcare fraud operation to date, charging 324 defendants across the nation in a sweeping takedown that targets over $14.6 billion in alleged fraudulent claims. This operation, announced as part of the 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, marks a significant escalation in the fight against healthcare fraud, involving 96 doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and other licensed medical professionals. The charges span 50 federal districts and 12 State Attorneys General's Offices, highlighting the pervasive nature of these schemes and the DOJ's commitment to protecting American taxpayers and the integrity of the healthcare system.
324 Doctors and Healthcare Experts Charged in Fraud Worth 14.6 Billion Dollars in U.S. DOJ's 2025 Healthcare Fraud Crackdown
This
U.S. Medical News report details the far-reaching impact of the DOJ's operation, which has uncovered a web of fraud involving unnecessary medical services, illegal distribution of controlled substances, and kickback schemes. The operation, led by Matthew Gagliotti, head of the DOJ's Criminal Division, targeted a staggering $14.6 billion in intended losses, with significant seizures of fraud proceeds amounting to $27.7 million.
https://www.justice.gov/opa/video/national-health-care-fraud-takedown-results-324-defendants-charged-connection-over-146
The involvement of medical professionals, including doctors, underscores the gravity of the fraud, which threatens public trust in healthcare systems and the financial stability of programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
The Scope and Scale of Fraud
The fraud schemes targeted in this takedown are diverse and extensive, ranging from billing for services that were never provided to distributing controlled substances without medical necessity. For instance, Dr Demitrious Gilmore from Lubbock, Texas, is charged with conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, allegedly submitting $19 million in false claims for unnecessary services like knee braces and therapy during surgery, with over $1 million seized. Dr Gary Martin from McKinney, Texas, faces charges for conspiracy to solicit kickbacks related to unrequested COVID-19 tests, including for deceased individuals. Dr Rami Abunakira from Richmond, Texas, is accused of operating labs that billed Medicare for unnecessary genetic tests, involving conspiracy to defraud and kickbacks.
Geographical Reach and State-Specific Charges
The operation's geographical reach is vast, with charges filed across multiple states and even internationally. In Florida, Dr William Balsamo from Spring Hill is charged with $9.1 million in telemedicine fraud, while Dr Chad Monroe from Tarpon Springs faces allegations of $28 million in fraud and kickbacks.
D
r Alexandra Christensen from Pensacola is accused of drug distribution, and Sean Alterman from Lake Worth is charged with $52 million in genetic testing fraud.
In Mississippi, Dr Ricky Wayne Quinn and Dr John Anthony Null from the Northern District are accused of conspiring to submit over $700,000 in false prescription drug claims, while Dr Willie De Gibbs and Auzie Phillip Smith, Jr. from the Southern District face charges in $19.4 million and $1.4 million fraud schemes, respectively, both involving kickbacks.
In Michigan, the Eastern District saw charges against Dr Ali Naserdean, Dr Mohmmed Al-Shihabi, Dr Priti Bhardwaj, and Dr Charles Wasson, among others. The Western District charged Dr Paul Eric Lyons from Fraser and Dr Tiffany Nicole Childs from Sterling Heights, while the Michigan Attorney General's Office targeted Dr Daleena Taree Miller and Dr James Alexander Carthron.
Virginia's Eastern District includes Dr Cristina Schasse, Dr Jawad Bhatti, Dr Keri Ayres, Dr Kevin White, Lori Adcock, and Dr Yvoune Kara Petrie, with Dr Sharon Washington from Woodbridge and Dr Kimberly Humphrey from Virginia Beach facing specific fraud charges.
Connecticut's Dr Rene Luzzi Muzyka from Cheshire is charged with unlawful distribution of controlled substances and false statements related to healthcare.
Implications for Healthcare Integrity
The takedown is part of a broader strategy to enhance healthcare integrity, as outlined in President’s Executive Order Stopping Waste, Fraud, and Abuse by Eliminating Information Silos. This initiative aims to reduce duplicative data teams, increase operational efficiency, and leverage advanced technologies like artificial intelligence. The operation's success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies and the ongoing work of the Health Care Fraud Strike Force, which has charged over 5,400 defendants since 2007.
However, concerns about transparency and potential overreach persist, as the full list of defendants and charges is not yet publicly available.
Conclusion
The 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown represents a critical step in addressing healthcare fraud, with significant implications for the medical community and public health. By targeting high-profile defendants and dismantling large-scale fraud schemes, the DOJ aims to restore trust in healthcare systems and protect vulnerable populations. The operation's success highlights the importance of vigilance and collaboration in combating fraud, ensuring that healthcare resources are used appropriately and effectively. As legal proceedings continue, the outcomes will further shape the landscape of healthcare fraud prevention and enforcement.
Please stay tune as this is a developing story and we will be providing more updates and a detailed list of all the names and background of the individuals being charged.
Also there will be a another interesting announcement in the later part of the month on another list of doctors, healthcare experts and researchers being charged in another fraud scandal involving COVID-19 diagnostics, treatments and research..please stay tune as some of these individuals are prominent on X(twitter).
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