US authorities seek four suspects in $703M Medicare fraud case

U.S. federal authorities are seeking four Pakistani nationals accused of orchestrating a $703 million Medicare fraud scheme. The suspects, identified as Fizza Farid, Faizan Saleem, Shearyar Arif, and Ruknuddin “Rick” Charolia, are believed to be hiding in either Pakistan or the United Arab Emirates.

The group allegedly operated a call center in Pakistan under the name Hello International Marketing Solutions (HIMS). Using theft and deception, the suspects obtained Medicare beneficiary identification numbers to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. The scheme involved billing for genetic tests, durable medical equipment, and over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits that were often unrequested, medically unnecessary, or never delivered.

Investigators noted that the operation utilized artificial intelligence to fake patient consent for COVID-19 test kits. Fizza Farid, who allegedly served as a nominee owner for a medical equipment provider, is believed to have fled the United States for Pakistan in late April 2025 to evade prosecution.