Arizona Charges 7 in $1.1B Medicare Fraud Takedown

In a historic nationwide crackdown known as the 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, U.S. authorities charged 324 defendants, including 29 from Arizona, for schemes involving over $14.6 billion in fraudulent Medicare and Medicaid claims. Seven individuals in Arizona face charges related to over $1.1 billion in fraud, with allegations including kickbacks and billing for services never provided. Among the accused is Farrukh Jarar Ali, who allegedly submitted $650 million in false claims through substance abuse treatment clinics. The operation resulted in the seizure of $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, cryptocurrency, and other assets. Officials highlighted the involvement of transnational criminal networks exploiting the healthcare system, with defendants linked to countries such as Russia, Eastern Europe, and Pakistan. U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine and Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the administration's commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars and the integrity of healthcare programs.