WASHINGTON: US health authorities are seeking four Pakistani nationals accused in a Pakistani Medicare fraud case. The case involves about $703 million in allegedly false healthcare claims.
The US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) lists Fizza Farid, Faizan Saleem, Shearyar Arif and Ruknuddin “Rick” Charolia as wanted fugitives. Authorities say they may be in Pakistan or the United Arab Emirates.
The case stems from a June 2025 federal indictment. It charges five Pakistani citizens, Charolia, Aamir Ali Arif, Shearyar Arif, Farid and Saleem, in the Northern District of Illinois. The US Department of Justice said it also charged all five in an alleged money-laundering conspiracy.
Prosecutors allege Charolia and Aamir Ali Arif operated Pakistan-based Hello International Marketing Solutions (HIMS). This company obtained Medicare beneficiary identification data through theft and deception.
The Justice Department said Charolia, Aamir Ali Arif, Shearyar Arif and Farid allegedly caused about $703 million in claims to be submitted for COVID-19 test kits, durable medical equipment and genetic tests. Patients had not requested, did not need or never received these items. Moreover, Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans allegedly paid about $418 million.
Authorities also allege HIMS sometimes used artificial intelligence to fabricate recordings. These recordings allegedly showed Medicare beneficiaries consenting to receive COVID-19 test kits.
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HHS-OIG says Farid fled the United States for Pakistan in late April 2025. It lists her possible whereabouts as Pakistan or the UAE.
The charges remain allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
