Santiago court sentences 17 to prison in massive medical license fraud

A Santiago criminal court has sentenced 17 members of an organized crime ring to prison terms ranging from four to over 21 years for a massive medical license fraud scheme. The operation, which functioned between 2020 and 2022, involved the issuance of approximately 71,000 to 80,000 fraudulent medical licenses.

The network consisted of nine doctors, many of whom are foreign nationals, and eight Chilean recruiters. The scheme caused significant financial damage to Chile's public health system, Fonasa, and private insurers. Official estimates place the direct loss to Fonasa at over $26.6 billion pesos, though prosecutors suggest the total impact could exceed $50 billion pesos when accounting for other medical centers.

Samir Enrique Rivaldo Hernández, identified as a leader of the organization, received a sentence of 21 years and one day, along with a fine exceeding $2.5 billion pesos and a permanent ban from holding public office. Jessica Donado, identified as a second leader, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and a fine of over $1.5 billion pesos. The group utilized more than 50 fictitious companies and social media to sell licenses ranging from 11 to 30 days for prices between $25,000 and $70,000 pesos.