SAN FRANCISCO (Diya TV) — Federal prosecutors have charged a foreign national in a sweeping health care fraud scheme that allegedly sought to steal more than $90 million from the Medicare system. The case has raised fresh questions about oversight, fraud prevention, and the role of government agencies in safeguarding taxpayer funds.
The U.S. Department of Justice said a federal grand jury indicted Anar Rustamov, 38, on charges of health care fraud. Prosecutors allege that Rustamov submitted thousands of false claims through the Medicare Advantage program.
Authorities say the scheme ran from October 2024 through June 2025. During that time, Rustamov allegedly used a company called Dublin Helping Hand to bill insurers for medical equipment that patients never received. The claims included items such as blood glucose monitors and orthotic braces. Investigators say many patients did not need the equipment. In some cases, doctors never approved the orders.
Prosecutors say the scheme relied on stolen or misused patient information. Many individuals listed in the claims had no idea their data was being used. Officials also said that medical providers named in the claims did not authorize them. This suggests a coordinated effort to exploit weaknesses in billing systems. The alleged fraud targeted multiple private insurers that administer Medicare Advantage plans. These plans receive federal funds to provide health care coverage to seniors and eligible individuals.
Rustamov, a national of Azerbaijan, previously lived in Sunnyvale, according to prosecutors. Authorities believe he may have entered the United States illegally. Law enforcement officials say he remains at large. They have not disclosed his current location. The case is part of a broader crackdown on health care fraud. Federal agencies have increased enforcement efforts in recent years to combat rising fraud schemes targeting public programs.
The case has sparked debate about oversight within the health care system. Many observers have asked whether federal agencies do enough to prevent fraudulent payments.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services plays a key role in monitoring Medicare payments. The Office of Inspector General investigates fraud and abuse. The agency also uses data analytics to flag suspicious billing patterns. Despite these efforts, experts say the system remains vulnerable. Fraudsters often exploit gaps in verification and billing processes. High claim volumes can make it difficult to detect false submissions in real time.
U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian said the case reflects a broader push to crack down on fraud.
“When the administration declared a war on fraud, it meant to target exactly this kind of conduct,” he said in a statement. “This scheme attempted to steal nearly $100 million from a program meant to help those who truly need care.”
He added that authorities will continue to work with law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute fraud cases.
Health care fraud remains a major issue in the United States. Federal officials estimate that billions of dollars are lost each year due to fraudulent claims. Programs like Medicare are frequent targets because they handle large volumes of payments. Fraud schemes often involve fake billing, unnecessary services, or identity theft.
Experts say stronger verification systems and faster detection tools could help reduce losses. They also stress the importance of public awareness. Patients should regularly review their medical statements and report suspicious charges.
If convicted, Rustamov could face significant prison time and financial penalties. Prosecutors have not yet announced a trial date. Authorities continue to search for the suspect and urge anyone with information to come forward.