A new federal-state partnership in Ohio aims to identify and prosecute fraud offenders.
At a Columbus news conference Thursday, Justice Department officials also unveiled the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list.
The list names the alleged “worst of the worst” offenders accused of stealing millions in taxpayer dollars.
FBI Most Wanted Fraudsters(Julia Thyret | (Source: FBI))
“Ohio is leading the charge in the fight against fraud, and some states should take notice,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Working closely with Ohio officials, the Department of Justice dismantled a sophisticated Medicaid fraud scheme that exploited taxpayers to fund exotic cars and lavish lifestyles. By holding these fraudsters accountable and partnering with the FBI on a robust Most Wanted fraudster list, we are pursuing fraud more aggressively than ever. No fraud scheme is beyond our reach.”
Officials also announced the seizure of seven bank accounts totaling $600,000 and 14 vehicles worth millions, all described as “direct proceeds from robbing value community healthcare resources from Americans who needed it.”
“The days of deception are over. As the stewards of your tax dollars, if we find evidence of willful and deliberate abuse of government programs, we will investigate and prosecute those individuals responsible to the full extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer, for the Northern District of Ohio.
In Northern Ohio, two 22-year-old Ghanaian men and a 53-year-old woman were ordered detained this week in connection with a romance scam exceeding $15 million that defrauded more than 130 victims across the United States.
Two 31-year-old Ghanaian men also accused in the romance scam are awaiting extradition.
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