Four Charged in Alleged $3 Billion Healthcare Fraud Scheme
New Hampshire Residents and Foreign Nationals Face Charges in Massive Healthcare Fraud and Money Laundering Operation
Authorities have announced the charging of four individuals in New Hampshire for their alleged involvement in an extensive healthcare fraud and money laundering scheme, reportedly totaling $3 billion. The operation is said to be connected to a Russian transnational criminal organization.
Key Figures and Allegations Emerge
Among those charged is Fructoso de Jesus Gomez Agudelo, 76, a resident of Nashua. Prosecutors allege he engaged in wire fraud and the prolonged theft of another individual’s identity. Separately, Kakha Bendeliani, 48, and Goga Danelia, 31, both citizens of Georgia, have been charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering. Their alleged actions involved submitting fraudulent claims to Medicare.
Reports indicate that Bendeliani and Danelia are accused of laundering proceeds for a Russian transnational criminal organization implicated in what is described as the largest identity theft-driven healthcare fraud scheme ever brought to prosecution. The investigation was reportedly initiated after thousands of individuals, including elderly citizens and those with disabilities, contacted Medicare after receiving Explanation of Benefits (EOB) forms. These forms detailed durable medical equipment (DME) that the recipients had never ordered or received.
Broader Scope of the Fraudulent Scheme
The criminal network is accused of orchestrating this multi-billion-dollar operation, which aimed to defraud Medicare, other government-sponsored health insurance programs, and private insurers. Erin Creegan, the U.S. attorney for the District of New Hampshire, commented on the charges against Danelia and Bendeliani, stating, “These charges expose the staggering scale of fraud and money laundering that Transnational Criminal Organizations are willing to inflict on our health care system and the people of New Hampshire.”
Separate Charges for Prescription Drug Diversion
In a related but distinct case, Rima Gerges-Maalouf, 60, of Massachusetts, has been charged with diverting controlled prescription drugs. These alleged offenses occurred while she was employed as a pharmacist in New Hampshire. Investigators accuse her of opening drug capsules to extract and steal the powdered medication intended for patients.
Details of Alleged Identity Theft and Financial Crimes
The indictments detail a wide range of fraudulent activities. Agudelo is accused of assuming the identity of a U.S. citizen for over two decades, using this stolen persona to obtain more than $500,000 in public assistance, including benefits from Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, housing programs, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Bendeliani is alleged to have served as the “nominee owner” of a front company for fraudulent medical equipment, known as Centennial Med Supply LLC. He reportedly allowed others to use his personal information to acquire the business and establish bank accounts across six U.S. financial institutions. He is then accused of withdrawing approximately $12.5 million in fraudulent Medicare payouts stemming from a substantial $3 billion scheme involving urinary catheter billing. These funds were allegedly moved through cashier’s checks to obscure their origin before being wired to overseas accounts.
Alleged Role of Accomplice in Financial Transfers
Danelia is identified as Bendeliani’s primary accomplice. Given Bendeliani’s limited English proficiency and inability to drive, Danelia allegedly provided transportation and translation services to assist him in navigating U.S. banking systems. Danelia is also accused of helping Bendeliani open accounts, withdraw the illicit cash via cashier’s checks, and transfer it to secondary accounts before ultimately being wired out of the U.S.
Pharmacist Accused of Stealing Medication
During her tenure as a temporary pharmacist in New Hampshire in August 2024, Gerges-Maalouf allegedly stole prescription pills and capsule medication powders designated for patients. According to the Justice Department, she is accused of ingesting some of the stolen drugs while on duty. In total, she is alleged to have stolen 147 controlled substance pills or capsules within a single month.
If convicted, all four individuals face potential decades-long prison sentences.
