Lifetime-Banned Fraudster: In a stunning development, a man previously banned from California’s workers’ compensation system for life has been charged with orchestrating a fraud scheme that racked up nearly $100 million in fraudulent claims. David Fish, alongside a San Diego-based neurosurgeon and two other alleged co-conspirators, faces 13 felony counts, including insurance fraud and conspiracy.
The Alleged Scheme
Lifetime-Banned Fraudster: David Fish, 55, of Laguna Niguel, collaborated with Martin Brill, 78, Robert Lee, 61, and Dr. Vrijesh Tantuwaya to form Southern California Injured Workers (SCIW), a management company providing medical services. They also created a medical group, Injured Workers Medical Group, where Dr. Tantuwaya acted as CEO.
Through this network, SCIW reportedly steered patient referrals to a limited group of providers who agreed to pay illegal referral fees. These services ranged from diagnostic testing to prescriptions from compound pharmacies. Between 2020 and 2023, the defendants allegedly billed workers’ compensation insurers close to $100 million, funneling profits from unlawful referrals back into the network.
Charges and Potential Penalties
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office charged the group following a three-year investigation. The 13 felony counts include violations of labor laws, conspiracy statutes, and insurance fraud regulations. If convicted:
- David Fish could face up to 18 years and four months in prison.
- Martin Brill faces a potential sentence of 12 years and four months.
- Dr. Tantuwaya risks up to 13 years and four months in state prison.
- Robert Lee may be sentenced to 12 years and four months.
Deputy District Attorney Kelly Albright of the Insurance Fraud Unit is leading the prosecution.
Ongoing Issues in Workers’ Compensation
This case highlights the challenges California’s workers’ compensation system faces in combating fraud. Illegal schemes not only drain resources but also harm injured workers who depend on the system for proper medical care and fair compensation.
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