Federal authorities have charged a former Bay Area, California resident with a massive $90 million health care fraud scheme, alleging he made thousands of false claims to embezzle government funds.A federal jury has indicted Anar Rustamov, a 38-year-old Azerbaijan man, on 14 counts of aiding and abetting health care fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors say he once lived in Sunnyvale, entered the U.S. illegally and played a key role in the scheme. He is still absconding.According to investigators, the scheme targeted the Medicare Advantage program. Over a nine-month period, Rustamov allegedly submitted thousands of fraudulent claims for medical devices, including blood glucose monitors and orthotic braces. Officials say the device was never provided, was not medically necessary, and was not authorized by health professionals. The claims were filed through an organization called “Dublin Helping Hand” created by Rustamov.Many of the patients listed in the claims were unaware that their identities were used.If convicted, Rustamov could face up to 20 years in prison for each offense, as well as a fine of up to $250,000 per charge.U.S. Attorney Craig H. Misakian said in a news release announcing the indictment: “Anyone who believes they can make easy money by defrauding such programs should know that we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and prosecute such fraud and abuse.” FBI Special Agent Matt Cobo said: “This case alleges a deliberate scheme to exploit a vital health care program for personal gain, attempting to extort millions of dollars through thousands of fraudulent claims for medical devices.” Cobo said: “The FBI and our partners will continue to aggressively pursue and hold accountable individuals who attempt to defraud these important programs.”
