FBI Captures Fugitive Linked to One of the Largest Medicare Fraud Schemes in U.S. History
A fugitive accused of helping orchestrate one of the largest Medicare fraud conspiracies in U.S. history has been captured after nearly two years on the run.
Federal authorities said Herbert Leon Kimble, 60, was arrested in the Philippines and returned to the United States to face proceedings connected to a healthcare fraud scheme that allegedly generated more than $1.2 billion in Medicare billings.
FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the arrest in a post on X, writing, “If you defraud the American people….I told you we WILL find you!”
He added, “We are just getting started!”
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Kimble’s attempt to avoid accountability ultimately failed.
“Instead of facing accountability for his $1.2 billion Medicare fraud crimes in the United States, Kimble fled to the Philippines hoping to escape justice,” Blanche wrote on X. “That plan failed.”
Prosecutors allege Kimble played a central role in a healthcare fraud operation that generated more than $1.2 billion in Medicare billings and affected thousands of beneficiaries, many of them elderly Americans.
Investigators contend the scheme relied on telemarketing networks and medical equipment suppliers to promote orthopedic braces and other durable medical equipment, often without legitimate medical necessity.
Authorities have said telemedicine arrangements were used to obtain prescriptions and support reimbursement claims, allowing the operation to generate large volumes of Medicare billings over several years.
Federal officials estimate the conspiracy was responsible for more than $1.2 billion in claims, making it one of the largest healthcare fraud cases ever pursued by the government.
According to federal prosecutors, Kimble previously pleaded guilty in 2019 to multiple offenses, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, healthcare fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, making false claims, and offering kickbacks and bribes.
Authorities said Kimble failed to appear for a scheduled sentencing hearing in August 2024, prompting the issuance of a federal arrest warrant and an international search effort.
Investigators allege he fled the United States rather than face sentencing, leading authorities to pursue him across multiple countries.
Federal authorities said Herbert Leon Kimble, 60, was arrested in the Philippines and returned to the United States to face proceedings connected to a healthcare fraud scheme that allegedly generated more than $1.2 billion in Medicare billings.
FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the arrest in a post on X, writing, “If you defraud the American people….I told you we WILL find you!”
He added, “We are just getting started!”
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Kimble’s attempt to avoid accountability ultimately failed.
“Instead of facing accountability for his $1.2 billion Medicare fraud crimes in the United States, Kimble fled to the Philippines hoping to escape justice,” Blanche wrote on X. “That plan failed.”
Prosecutors allege Kimble played a central role in a healthcare fraud operation that generated more than $1.2 billion in Medicare billings and affected thousands of beneficiaries, many of them elderly Americans.
Investigators contend the scheme relied on telemarketing networks and medical equipment suppliers to promote orthopedic braces and other durable medical equipment, often without legitimate medical necessity.
Authorities have said telemedicine arrangements were used to obtain prescriptions and support reimbursement claims, allowing the operation to generate large volumes of Medicare billings over several years.
Federal officials estimate the conspiracy was responsible for more than $1.2 billion in claims, making it one of the largest healthcare fraud cases ever pursued by the government.
According to federal prosecutors, Kimble previously pleaded guilty in 2019 to multiple offenses, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, healthcare fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, making false claims, and offering kickbacks and bribes.
Authorities said Kimble failed to appear for a scheduled sentencing hearing in August 2024, prompting the issuance of a federal arrest warrant and an international search effort.
Investigators allege he fled the United States rather than face sentencing, leading authorities to pursue him across multiple countries.
70-79, M
