Largest Healthcare Fraud Takedown in U.S. History

The Department of Justice has unveiled the largest healthcare fraud takedown in U.S. history. This operation charged 455 defendants in 45 states. Allegations include stealing $6.5 billion from Medicare and Medicaid. Fraudulent schemes involved wound care and other false claims. Some funds went towards luxury items, such as a $135,000 Maserati.

Federal authorities charged 10 individuals in Southern California. These charges are part of what the Justice Department calls the ‘2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.’ The defendants are accused of fraudulent claims amounting to over $6.5 billion nationwide.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche highlighted the effort’s scale. He described it as the largest in combating healthcare fraud. Blanche affirmed that fraudsters cannot exploit American taxpayers. He warned that those who attempt to cheat Americans will face prosecution and asset seizures.

Fraudsters can no longer rip off American taxpayers.

In the Central District of California, prosecutors charged 10 individuals. They allegedly defrauded government healthcare programs. Some are accused of illegally prescribing controlled substances. Five arrests took place in the Los Angeles area. The scheme involved nearly $270 million in fraudulent claims to Medi-Cal.

One charged individual is Christina Mareik, known as Christina Marie Sanchez Hernandez. She allegedly facilitated fraudulent prescriptions, inflating claims to nearly $270 million. Medi-Cal allegedly paid out more than $178 million due to these claims. These involved expensive drugs, which were unnecessary or never provided.

Federal prosecutors also charged Oren David Shachar, Abraham Shin, and Jeannie Choi. They faced a 16-count indictment for conspiring to defraud Medicare out of roughly $27 million. Their charges include healthcare fraud, identity theft, and illegal monetary transactions.

This significant operation signals a strong stance against healthcare fraud. The Department of Justice intends to hold accountable those who defraud public healthcare systems.