U.S. Justice Department charges 455 in $6.5 billion health‑insurance fraud scheme

The U.S. Department of Justice announced that 455 individuals have been indicted for allegedly defrauding federal health‑insurance programs of about $6.5 billion. The nationwide operation spanned 45 states and territories and is described by Acting Assistant Attorney General Todd Blanche as “the most sweeping enforcement action in history.”

Among the defendants, roughly 90 are doctors or other licensed health‑care professionals. Two fugitives, Khalid Ahmed Satary and Emylee Thai, were placed on the FBI’s most‑wanted list; both are suspected of large‑scale genetic‑testing scams, with losses estimated at $547 million and $95 million respectively. Satary is believed to be hiding in the United Arab Emirates, while Thai is thought to be in Vietnam.

The case represents the largest single health‑insurance fraud prosecution to date, targeting false claims that allegedly caused serious patient harm and even deaths.