Indian National Sentenced for Orchestrating Multi-Million Dollar Medicare Fraud Scheme

## Justice Served: Medicare Fraudster Mohammed Asif Sentenced to Two Years

In a significant development underlining the commitment to combating healthcare fraud, Indian national Mohammed Asif has been handed a two-year federal prison sentence in the U.S. Asif was found guilty of masterminding a sophisticated Medicare fraud scheme that cost taxpayers over a million dollars. This case serves as a stark reminder of the vigilant efforts to protect public healthcare programs from illicit activities.

Asif’s operation centered around his Everett-based laboratory, American Labworks LLC. Investigations revealed that the lab fraudulently billed Medicare for over $8 million for COVID-19 and respiratory tests that were never actually provided to patients. Through this deceptive practice, Asif, who maintained control over the lab’s financial dealings, managed to defraud Medicare of more than $1.1 million – a substantial sum diverted from essential healthcare services.

The ramifications for Asif extend beyond his prison term. In addition to serving two years behind bars, he has been ordered to pay over $1.1 million in restitution. This financial penalty aims to recover the funds illicitly obtained from Medicare, reinforcing the principle that those who defraud public programs will be held accountable. This outcome sends a clear message to potential fraudsters: such schemes will be uncovered, and perpetrators will face severe legal consequences.

This sentencing highlights the relentless pursuit of justice by U.S. authorities to safeguard critical programs like Medicare. It underscores the importance of robust oversight and enforcement in protecting the integrity of the healthcare system and ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed – towards patient care, not criminal enrichment.