Convictions and Sentencing Details
Four Pharmacists Sentenced: Four pharmacy owners have been sentenced for orchestrating a multi-million dollar fraud scheme that targeted Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The defendants collectively caused over $13 million in losses through fraudulent billing practices at five pharmacies across Michigan and Ohio.
Sentences Handed Down
- Raef Hamaed (Maricopa County, Arizona) – Sentenced to 10 years in prison on Jan. 8.
- Tarek Fakhuri (Windsor, Ontario, Canada) – Sentenced to seven years in prison on Jan. 13.
- Ali Abdelrazzaq (Macomb County, Michigan) – Sentenced to two years in prison on Jan. 15.
- Kindy Ghussin (Greene County, Ohio) – Sentenced to five years and five months in prison.
Fraudulent Billing Scheme
Four Pharmacists Sentenced: Court documents and evidence presented at trial revealed that the pharmacists billed Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for medications they never dispensed. The fraudulent activities occurred at these pharmacies:
- Michigan: Eastside Pharmacy, Harper Drugs, and Wayne Campus Pharmacy.
- Ohio: Heartland Pharmacy and Heartland Pharmacy 2.
The defendants used these pharmacies to orchestrate the scheme, resulting in millions of dollars in fraudulent claims. Following their conviction by a federal jury on Sept. 5, 2024, each pharmacist was sentenced for their specific roles in the conspiracy.
Law Enforcement’s Response
Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) led the investigation.
“The defendants exploited public health systems to line their pockets,” said Antoinette T. Bacon. “These sentences should send a strong message that such criminal behavior will not be tolerated.”
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Fraud
The FBI Detroit Field Office and HHS-OIG conducted a thorough investigation, with Trial Attorneys Claire Sobczak Pacelli, Kelly M. Warner, and S. Babu Kaza of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section successfully prosecuting the case.
Report Suspected Fraud
If you suspect fraudulent activity, report it to HHS-OIG or your local law enforcement agency.
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(Source: U.S. Department of Justice)