By: Richard L. Smith
In a major crackdown on healthcare fraud, Samuel "Sam" Khaimov and Yana Shtindler, co-owners and operators of a pharmacy in Union City, have admitted to their involvement in complex conspiracies defrauding pharmacy benefit managers and healthcare benefits providers, including Medicare and Medicaid, of over $65 million.
The guilty pleas were entered before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court, as U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Khaimov, 52, and Shtindler, 48, both residents of Glen Head, New York, faced charges under a superseding indictment. Khaimov pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit healthcare fraud and violating the federal anti-kickback statute, while Shtindler admitted to conspiring to commit healthcare fraud.
Their co-defendants, Ruben Sevumyants of Marlboro, New Jersey, and Alex Fleyshmakher of Morganville, have also pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger highlighted the defendants' elaborate scheme that exploited their specialty pharmacy to defraud major healthcare programs and private insurers through various illegal activities, including paying kickbacks and bribes for prescription referrals, claiming reimbursements for undispensed medications, and falsifying records.
Sellinger emphasized the commitment of his office to protecting the healthcare system's integrity and ensuring that those who perpetrate fraud or corrupt medical decision-making are brought to justice.
FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy pointed out the significant strain such healthcare fraud schemes place on resources, impacting insurance costs and eroding trust in healthcare providers.
He affirmed the FBI's ongoing commitment to combat healthcare fraud and protect the American public.
IRS - Criminal Investigation Newark Field Office Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins condemned the defendants' actions, stressing the importance of pursuing those who illegally exploit the federal healthcare system.
The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies underscore a determined stance against healthcare fraud and a dedication to upholding the law.