In a bold strike against healthcare swindlers, Chicago authorities have indicted two men of Pakistani origin for a $10 million fraud spree against Medicare and private insurance giants. The elaborate racket involved Burhan Mirza and Kashif Iqbal, who weaponized fake labs and medical equipment firms to bill for ghost services throughout 2023 and 2024.
Prosecutors paint a picture of calculated deception: Mirza, 31, from Pakistan, pilfered identities from unsuspecting individuals, healthcare pros, and companies to fabricate claims. Iqbal, 48, based in Texas, oversaw DME providers pumping out bogus invoices and masterminded laundering the illicit gains overseas to Pakistan.
‘This theft undermines the lifeline for our vulnerable seniors and disabled,’ declared Deputy AG Todd Blanche. ‘Taxpayer dollars meant for care won’t end up in criminal hands on our watch.’
Echoing the sentiment, U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Butros remarked, ‘These fraudsters didn’t just rob government programs—they raided the pockets of everyday taxpayers supporting health services in this nation.’
The indictment slaps Mirza with 12 healthcare fraud and 5 money laundering counts. Iqbal draws 12 fraud, 6 laundering, and a false statement charge. No arraignment dates yet. Meanwhile, accomplices Mir Akbar Khan, Fasiur Rahman Syed, and Naveed Rashid have confessed and face penalties.
As investigations deepen, this bust highlights systemic vulnerabilities in billing practices, urging reforms to shield Medicare from foreign predators preying on American generosity.