by RYAN MINNAUGH | The National News Desk

(TNND) — The Justice Department got a big win this week in combating healthcare fraud. A record 324 defendants with $14.6 billion of medical fraud were charged.
The staggering number of arrests include 96 doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and other medical professionals. The busts happened in 50 federal districts and 12 State Attorneys General’s Offices across the United States.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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 government seized over $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, cryptocurrency, and other assets as well.

In addition, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services prevented over $4 billion from being paid to false and fraudulent claims and suspended or revoked billing privileges of 205 providers in the months leading up to the Takedown.

The fraudulent schemes involve identity theft, fraudulent wound care, prescription opioid trafficking, and fake telemedicine claims.