Fugitive in $1.2B Medicare Fraud Scheme Apprehended Overseas

International Manhunt Concludes with Capture of Alleged Healthcare Fraud Mastermind

An extensive international search has concluded with the apprehension of Herbert Leon Kimble, 60, a fugitive accused of orchestrating a sprawling Medicare fraud conspiracy valued at over $1.2 billion. Kimble was arrested in the Philippines after nearly two years on the run, marking the second significant capture from a recently established federal list of wanted fraudsters.

Prosecutors allege that Kimble spearheaded a sophisticated healthcare fraud operation that submitted more than $1.2 billion in fraudulent charges to Medicare, impacting thousands of beneficiaries, many of whom were elderly. The scheme reportedly utilized call centers to direct patients towards receiving medically unnecessary orthopedic braces.

Kimble had previously entered a guilty plea in 2019 to a multitude of federal charges, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, healthcare fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, making false claims, and offering kickbacks and bribes. His failure to appear for a scheduled sentencing hearing in August 2024 triggered a federal arrest warrant and initiated the international pursuit.

‘Most Wanted Fraudsters’ List Yields Second Arrest

This capture follows closely on the heels of the Justice Department’s recent unveiling of its “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list, a public initiative designed to identify and apprehend individuals charged in major fraud cases. Just last week, federal authorities announced the arrest of Said Abdullahi Ereg, 47, the first individual on the list to be taken into custody, who faced charges related to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.

FBI Director Kash Patel commented on the swift success of the initiative, stating, “In just over two weeks, this is the second Most Wanted Fraudster arrested on the FBI’s list. Herbert Leon Kimbel was apprehended in the Philippines and is now back in the United States, on the run since 2024 after he allegedly orchestrated a $1.2 billion healthcare fraud conspiracy that targeted the Medicare system — particularly elderly victims — from 2014-2019.” Patel emphasized the FBI’s ongoing commitment to President Trump’s directive to combat fraud and safeguard taxpayer funds.

Task Force Collaboration Proves Effective

The apprehension occurs several months after the Justice Department announced the establishment of a National Fraud Enforcement Division, intended to bolster the efforts of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, led by Vice President J.D. Vance. Vice President Vance lauded the creation of the Most Wanted Fraudsters list as instrumental in locating Kimble.

“Our message is simple,” Vance stated. “If you defraud the American people, we will find you and we will bring you to justice.” He further elaborated, “Kimble preyed on the elderly for years, costing taxpayers over a billion dollars. The FBI catching Kimble is a direct result of the task force’s partnership with the FBI to create the Most Wanted Fraudsters list.” Vance indicated that while Kimble had evaded capture for months, the Philippine government’s assistance, prompted by the list’s publication, was crucial in his eventual apprehension.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche reinforced the message, asserting, “Fleeing the United States does not mean you can flee justice.” Blanche added, “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. That plan failed. Under President Trump’s leadership, this FBI has now apprehended two fraudsters from its recently unveiled Most Wanted Fraudster list in just two weeks, with more to come.”