U.S. Authorities Hunt Four Pakistanis Over $703 Million Medicare Call Center Fraud Scheme
U.S. federal authorities are actively searching for four Pakistani nationals accused of orchestrating a $703 million Medicare fraud scheme. These individuals allegedly operated a call center in Pakistan, named Hello International Marketing Solutions (HIMS), to illegally obtain Medicare beneficiary information. The stolen data, including identification numbers, was then used to submit fraudulent claims for various medical items such as over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits, durable medical equipment, and genetic tests that beneficiaries neither requested nor received. Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans reportedly paid out approximately $418.6 million on these false claims. The accused, identified as Fizza Farid, Faizan Saleem, Shearyar Arif, and Ruknuddin “Rick” Charolia, are believed to be hiding in Pakistan or the United Arab Emirates. Pakistan’s intelligence agencies have been directed to investigate the matter, apprehend the suspects if found within the country, and identify other individuals involved. 
