ISTANBUL

The US Justice Department announced criminal charges Monday against 324 defendants, including 96 medical professionals, in connection with alleged health care fraud schemes totaling more than $14.6 billion in intended losses.

The 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown involved federal and state law enforcement agencies across 50 federal districts and 12 state attorneys general offices, according to a statement by the agency.

Authorities charged doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and other licensed medical professionals for their alleged participation in various fraud schemes.

The government seized over $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, cryptocurrency and other assets during the coordinated enforcement efforts.

The agency said the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services prevented over $4 billion from being paid in response to false and fraudulent claims "as part of the whole-of-government approach to combating health care fraud."

It also suspended or revoked billing privileges of 205 providers in months leading up to the takedown.

Civil charges have been filed against 20 defendants for suspected fraud amounting to $14.2 million, along with civil settlements totaling $34.3 million with 106 defendants as part of the operation, according to the statement.

"This record-setting Health Care Fraud Takedown delivers justice to criminal actors who prey upon our most vulnerable citizens," said Attorney General Pam Bondi.

FBI Director Kash Patel noted that “with more than $13 billion in fraud uncovered, this is the largest takedown for this initiative to date.”