United States: Four pharmacists have been convicted in a major $13 million health care fraud case, revealing a breach of trust in the very systems meant to provide care. Raef Hamaed from Maricopa County, Arizona; Kindy Ghussin from Greene County, Ohio; Ali Abdelrazzaq from Macomb County, Michigan; and Tarek Fakhuri from Windsor, Ontario were found guilty of defrauding Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. They billed for medications they never actually dispensed.
The court’s decision comes after it was shown that these professionals exploited their positions, leading to significant financial loss and undermining patient trust. Abdelrazzaq and Fakhuri also faced extra charges related to health care fraud. Each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison for the conspiracy charges, with Abdelrazzaq and Fakhuri potentially facing additional 10-year sentences for their separate fraud convictions. Sentencing dates are forthcoming.
This case was thoroughly investigated by the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Prosecutors Claire Sobczak, Kelly M. Warner, and S. Babu Kaza from the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section led the prosecution. It underscores the vital role of the Health Care Fraud Strike Force in protecting health care integrity and holding wrongdoers accountable.
