Federal authorities have charged five individuals and one company in Eastern North Carolina with healthcare fraud as part of the Department of Justice’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. The charges relate to schemes involving Medicaid kickbacks for substance abuse services and fraudulent billings to Medicare for medical equipment.
Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar stated, “Fraud against our healthcare system is not a victimless crime – it threatens patient care, burdens taxpayers, and undermines trust in critical programs.” He emphasized the commitment to pursue those who violate federal law and misuse public resources.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi added that the operation sends a clear message to criminals exploiting vulnerable citizens: “We will find you, we will prosecute you, and we will hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
The nationwide enforcement action resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants involved in schemes amounting to over $14.6 billion in intended loss. Authorities seized over $245 million in assets connected to these cases.
In addition to these cases, Acting U.S. Attorney Bubar announced convictions related to an investigation into billing practices by Medicaid mental health providers operating in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tasha C. Gardner is prosecuting these cases with assistance from various law enforcement agencies including HHS-OIG and the FBI.
Kelly J. Blackmon from HHS-OIG remarked on the importance of preserving program integrity: “HHS-OIG will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to investigate allegations of Medicare and Medicaid fraud.”
FBI Charlotte Acting Special Agent James C. Barnacle Jr. noted that healthcare fraud affects taxpayer-funded programs designed for those unable to afford healthcare otherwise.
IRS Criminal Investigation’s Richard Gaskins affirmed their commitment to uncover misconduct involving healthcare funds: “Our special agents will continue…to pursue individuals who try to exploit federal relief programs for their personal gain.”
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson expressed gratitude for efforts holding offenders accountable: “We’ll make sure anyone who abuses taxpayer dollars is held accountable.”
The VA Office of Inspector General also played a role in investigating fraud within VA healthcare programs.
Principal Assistant Deputy Chief Jacob Foster led this year’s Takedown alongside other members from the Health Care Fraud Unit using data analytics for investigations.
Various U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across numerous districts collaborated on this effort along with State Attorneys General’s Offices from several states.
