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

In a powerful testament to the ongoing fight against healthcare fraud, Mohammed Asif, an Indian national, has received a two-year sentence in US federal prison. Asif was the architect behind a calculated Medicare fraud scheme, leveraging his Everett-based company, American Labworks LLC, to exploit a system crucial for public health.

At the helm of American Labworks LLC, Asif wielded significant financial control, which he used to orchestrate a deceptive billing operation. His lab submitted fraudulent claims to Medicare for numerous COVID-19 and respiratory pathogen tests that were, in fact, never administered. This elaborate scheme resulted in over $8 million in false billings, ultimately siphoning more than $1.1 million directly from Medicare. Such actions are particularly egregious, as they not only drain taxpayer money but also erode confidence in the healthcare system, especially at a time when accurate and honest medical services were most needed during a global pandemic. The financial impact extends beyond the numbers, affecting the availability of resources for legitimate patients and providers.

Beyond his incarceration, Asif faces a substantial financial penalty, ordered to pay over $1.1 million in restitution to compensate for the stolen funds. This conviction underscores the rigorous efforts by US authorities to identify and prosecute those who unlawfully profit from vital healthcare programs. This case serves as a critical reminder that protecting Medicare from fraud is essential for ensuring the continued solvency and trustworthiness of a system that provides indispensable medical services to millions of Americans, safeguarding public health and financial integrity.