Anosh Ahmed pleads not guilty to COVID-19 fraud and embezzlement charges

Anosh Ahmed, the former chief financial officer of Loretto Hospital, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges involving a massive COVID-19 testing fraud scheme. Prosecutors allege that Ahmed used fake testing companies to attempt to defraud the federal government of nearly $700 million.

Ahmed, 42, faces additional charges for allegedly embezzling $15 million from Loretto Hospital, a safety-net medical center in Chicago. The indictments include wire fraud, bribery, kickbacks, and money laundering. His defense team has indicated they are attempting to reach a deal with federal prosecutors, but if no agreement is reached, they intend to challenge the indictment by alleging prosecutorial misconduct.

Ahmed’s legal proceedings follow a period where he was overseas in locations including France, Dubai, and Serbia. He was arrested in Serbia and recently returned to the United States, where he is currently being held in federal custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 14.