WASHINGTON: US federal authorities are searching for four Pakistani nationals accused of operating a Pakistan-based call centre involved in an alleged scheme that generated more than $703 million in fraudulent Medicare claims.
The US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General identified the fugitives as Fizza Farid, Faizan Saleem, Shearyar Arif and Ruknuddin “Rick” Charolia. Authorities believe they may be in Pakistan or the United Arab Emirates.
According to investigators, the suspects allegedly used Hello International Marketing Solutions to obtain Medicare beneficiaries’ identification information through hacking, deceptive websites and other methods.
Call Centre Allegedly Used AI to Fabricate Consent
Federal prosecutors allege the network submitted $703.8 million in fraudulent claims involving COVID-19 test kits, durable medical equipment and genetic tests that beneficiaries had neither requested nor consented to receive.
Moreover, Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans allegedly paid approximately $418.6 million against those claims.
Investigators claim HIMS also used artificial intelligence to create fabricated audio recordings purportedly showing beneficiaries consenting to receive COVID-19 test kits.
The defendants allegedly distributed beneficiary information to US-based medical equipment providers and laboratories that subsequently submitted claims.
Pakistan Agencies Reportedly Ordered to Investigate
Meanwhile, prosecutors allege the suspects laundered proceeds through US bank accounts before transferring funds overseas to conceal their origin and control. Authorities have seized approximately $44.7 million from related accounts.
An Islamabad-based intelligence source told The Media Line that Pakistani intelligence agencies, including the Federal Investigation Agency, had been directed to investigate the case and apprehend the suspects if found in Pakistan.
The source added that authorities had also been instructed to identify other alleged participants and seek Interpol assistance.
The allegations stem from the US Justice Department’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.
