WEBDESK - NAYADAUR
Four Pakistani nationals are being sought by U.S. authorities over an alleged healthcare fraud scheme that prosecutors say generated about $703 million in fraudulent Medicare and Medicare Advantage claims, which amounts to roughly Rs. 196.8 billion at an exchange rate of Rs.280 per dollar.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) has identified Fizza Farid, Faizan Saleem, Shearyar Arif and Ruknuddin “Rick” Charolia as fugitives wanted in connection with the case. The agency says they may be in Pakistan or the United Arab Emirates.
The case centers on Hello International Marketing Solutions (HIMS), a Pakistan-based call center allegedly used to obtain Medicare beneficiary information, including identification numbers, through theft and deceptive practices.
According to U.S. prosecutors, the information was then used to facilitate claims for products and services that beneficiaries had not requested, did not medically need or never received. These included over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits, durable medical equipment and genetic testing.
The U.S. Department of Justice said the defendants allegedly caused approximately $703.8 million in fraudulent claims to be submitted to Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. About $418.6 million was actually paid by the programs, according to the indictment.
That distinction is important: the $703 million figure represents alleged fraudulent claims, not money proven to have been stolen or paid out. The case remains an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Alleged AI-Generated Consent
Investigators allege the Pakistan-based operation contacted Medicare beneficiaries to obtain consent for medical equipment, COVID-19 test kits and genetic tests.
In some cases involving COVID-19 test kits, prosecutors allege that consent recordings were fabricated using artificial intelligence. Authorities also allege that Medicare beneficiary information was obtained through methods including hacking, scraping publicly accessible websites and deceptive online advertisements.
The alleged operation was not limited to submitting claims. Prosecutors say some defendants also recruited individuals in the United States to serve as nominee owners of medical equipment companies and laboratories that were allegedly used to submit false claims and move proceeds.
Charolia and co-conspirator Aamir Ali Arif allegedly operated HIMS in Pakistan, while other defendants were accused of roles involving beneficiary information, medical providers and the movement of funds.
Four Listed as US Fugitives
HHS-OIG currently lists Farid, Saleem, Arif and Charolia among its wanted fugitives in connection with the case. The agency says the public can provide information that could help authorities locate them.
HHS-OIG identifies Charolia as wanted on charges including healthcare fraud, conspiracy and money laundering, while Arif is listed in connection with healthcare fraud and money laundering. Saleem is also listed as wanted, with Pakistan and the UAE identified as possible locations.
The case forms part of a wider U.S. crackdown on healthcare fraud targeting federal health programs. U.S. authorities have emphasized that the allegations against the defendants are not proof of guilt.
For Pakistan, the case also highlights the growing international scrutiny of cross-border call centers and digital operations accused of exploiting personal and healthcare data.
The investigation remains active, with U.S. authorities seeking information that could lead to the location and arrest of the fugitives.