Justice Department charges 324 defendants in major nationwide health care fraud operation

The Justice Department (DOJ) on Monday charged at least 324 people with health care fraud charges in connection to its massive 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown operation, including 96 doctors and medical professionals.

The charges come from a joint operation between the DOJ, FBI, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The charges accounted for more than $14.6 billion in intended loss. 

The defendants range from licensed medical professionals, to business owners, to alleged members of transnational criminal organizations, according to the DOJ. 

“This record-setting Health Care Fraud Takedown delivers justice to criminal actors who prey upon our most vulnerable citizens and steal from hardworking American taxpayers,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement. “Make no mistake – this administration will not tolerate criminals who line their pockets with taxpayer dollars while endangering the health and safety of our communities.”

The charges include allegations of fraudulent "wound care," which refers to allegedly providing patients with treatment that they did not need, prescription opioid trafficking such as fentanyl, and telemedicine and genetic testing fraud schemes, among others. 

The department charged 170 people, which is the largest group of charges, with billing Medicare and Medicaid for false diagnostic testing, medical visits and treatments that were medically unnecessary but were provided in connection with kickbacks and bribes.

“Health care fraud drains critical resources from programs intended to help people who truly need medical care,” FBI Director Kash Patel said. “Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to pursuing those who exploit the system for personal gain. With more than $13 billion in fraud uncovered, this is the largest takedown for this initiative to date."

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.