Grabbing yet another headline, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo announced the indictment of four individuals and numerous companies for their involvement in an alleged Medicaid Fraud Scheme to the tune of $5.7 million. According to Attorney General Cuomo, three men, David Ibragimov, his son Arthur Ibragimov and his son-in-law Mikhail Isakov, operated three dental clinics in New York City (Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens). Although they owned these establishments, the men were not dentists and, if true, were not permitted to own those dental clinics.
It is alleged that these men had arrangements with dentists that they hired. This deal was that the dentists must pay the men’s companies – AN International LLC, MA Concord LLC and MB Globus LLC – two thirds of the revenues received through Medicaid. Compounding matters, it is alleged that “flyer boys,” the term us for recruiters, brought Medicaid patients to the clinic for treatment that was unecessary. In return, it is alleged that the “flyer boys” were compensated as well as the patient. It is alleged that not only did these patients receive cash and unecessary procedures, but sometimes they were paid with electronics such as CD players as well as coupons for McDonalds. It is alleged by the Attorney General that the defendants were so zealous that they pushed the dentists in their clinics to force “Medicaid recipients to agree to being fitted for dentures the same day their teeth were extracted and before their gums could heal.”
The Attorney General also announced that Bruce Speiser, a dentist at one of the clinics, has been indicted in the “cash cow” scheme. Of the alleged $5.7 million, the Attorney General claims Medicaid paid Dr. Speiser $1.9 million. Although Dr. Speiser is the only dentist currently under indictment, the Attorney Generals Office is investigating other dentists employed by the Ibragimovs and Isakov.
According to the press release:
“David Ibragimov, AN International LLC, MA Concord LLC, MB Globus LLC and Bruce Speiser are charged with one count of Grand Larceny in the First Degree (a class “B” felony), and one count of Insurance Fraud in the First Degree (a class “B” felony), both of which carry a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. Arthur Ibragimov and Mikhail Isakov are charged with one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (a class “D” felony) and one count of Insurance Fraud in the Third Degree(a class “D” felony), both of which carry a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison. Bruce Speiser, David Ibragimov, Arthur Ibragimov, Mikhail Isakov, MB Globus LLC and MA Concord LLC are also charged with one count of Medical Assistance Provider Prohibited Practice (Kickbacks) under the Social Services Law (class “E” felony), which carries a maximum penalty of 4 years in prison.”
For further information on the crime of New York Grand Larceny, please follow the highlighted link.
For further information on the crime of New York Insurance Fraud, please follow the highlighted link.
Saland Law PC is a New York criminal defense firm founded by two former Manhattan prosecutors. Saland Law PC represents individuals in criminal investigations and arrests throughout the New York City region.