Indian national wanted over alleged $79 million Medicare fraud

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Indian national Osman Syed, also known as Syed Osman, is wanted in the United States over an alleged healthcare fraud that prosecutors say caused more than $79 million in fraudulent claims to be submitted to Medicare and Texas Medicaid.

According to court documents, Syed allegedly caused BioDX Labs LLC to submit claims for respiratory pathogen panel tests that were either not performed or were medically unnecessary.

Prosecutors allege Syed used the personal identifying information of a physician without the doctor’s knowledge or consent to submit millions of dollars in claims. The physician allegedly had no prior relationship with the patients, was not treating them for respiratory symptoms and did not use the tests in their treatment.

Syed allegedly attempted to conceal the scheme by falsely representing that BioDX used reference laboratories to conduct the tests.

Investigators also allege that Syed and his co-conspirators laundered proceeds from the scheme through overseas bank accounts, including accounts in China, Hong Kong, Turkey, Greece and Switzerland.

Syed, 36, is believed to have fled the United States in January 2024, crossing a land border before eventually departing from Vancouver International Airport.

US authorities list possible whereabouts including Canada, Cairo in Egypt and Hyderabad in India.

He is wanted on charges including healthcare fraud, conspiracy to engage in monetary transactions involving property derived from specified unlawful activity, and engaging in such monetary transactions.

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