The Umansky Law Firm

One of the largest alleged Medicare scams was ended this week with the arrest of over 70 people. The mostly Armenian suspects are allegedly part of a network of gangsters, and were arrested in New York, California, New Mexico, Georgia, and Ohio. A US attorney involved in the case said the scope and sophistication of the fraud puts the traditional Mafia to shame.

Authorities allege that the network began to unravel in upstate New York when almost 3000 Medicare patients had their information, including dates of birth and social security numbers, stolen. Also stolen were the identities of doctors, which were used to set up nearly 120 phantom clinics in 25 states. These names were used to submit fake bills for care never given.

The paperwork allegedly submitted for bills was a giveaway, according to authorities. Some of it showed nose and throat specialists performing pregnancy ultrasounds, eye doctors performing bladder tests, dermatologists doing heart exams, and obstetricians testing for skin allergies.

The New York part of the fraud shows that nearly $100 million were submitted and Medicare paid out $35 million.

One of those arrested is allegedly a "vor," which is the equivalent of a traditional godfather.

If you have been charged with fraud in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial and confidential case consultation.