On November 15, the Department of Justice announced that Muhammad Zafar, the owner of a Michigan home health care company, was sentenced to three years and five months in prison. Zafar was accused of participating in a health care fraud conspiracy that allegedly led to nearly $7.9 million in fraudulent Medicare claims.
According to court documents, Zafar, 53, owned and operated a home health care business in Wayne County, Michigan. He and several co-conspirators, including three physicians and two other home health care company owners, were accused of paying kickbacks and bribes to beneficiary recruiters in exchange for Medicare beneficiary information. This information was reportedly used to submit claims for services that were medically unnecessary or never provided. The government claimed Zafar’s company alone submitted approximately $393,500 in claims that did not meet Medicare’s reimbursement criteria.
In addition to the fraud allegations, Zafar reportedly fled the United States on the day of his initial court appearance in June 2015. Prosecutors claim he violated his bond conditions, crossing into Canada before flying to Pakistan, where he remained for more than seven years. Zafar ultimately returned to the United States and pleaded guilty in May 2023 to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud.
If you or your business is facing allegations of Medicare fraud or regulatory violations, the attorneys at Chilivis Grubman are here to help. With extensive experience navigating complex healthcare matters, we can provide the guidance and representation you need. Contact us today to learn more.
Get in Touch With Us
For more information or to arrange a consultation, please contact us by telephone at (404) 233-4171 or online by submitting the form below. The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship nor create an expectancy of a potential attorney-client relationship. Do not submit information which is confidential or time sensitive, as it may not be treated as such.