The United States government has declared Nigerian-born Ezechukwu Joshua Ohaka wanted over an alleged healthcare fraud scheme that reportedly generated approximately $1.08 million in illicit proceeds.
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the 57-year-old is accused of working with several associates to submit more than $3.1 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare, the US government’s health insurance programme.
Authorities allege that Ohaka falsely presented himself as a medical doctor under the name “Dr. Joshua Ohaka” while operating through his Houston-based company, Luant & Odera, Inc.
According to a federal indictment cited by US authorities, Ohaka and his alleged co-conspirators submitted claims for durable medical equipment, including power wheelchairs, motorised scooters and wheelchair accessories.
Investigators allege that some of the equipment was not medically necessary or was never provided to beneficiaries. In other cases, Medicare was reportedly billed for more expensive wheelchairs than the equipment patients actually received.
The alleged scheme generated approximately $1.08 million in proceeds from claims exceeding $3.1 million, according to the HHS-OIG.
US authorities also allege that Ohaka and his associates targeted Medicare beneficiaries who lived in areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The hurricanes caused widespread destruction in the United States, leaving many residents in need of assistance and replacement medical equipment.
Investigators allege that the beneficiaries were recruited to support claims for wheelchairs and other equipment, even when they did not have the required medical prescriptions or meet Medicare’s eligibility criteria. Authorities further allege that kickbacks were paid to individuals who recruited beneficiaries into the scheme.
The HHS-OIG has listed Ohaka as a wanted fugitive in connection with healthcare fraud charges. Its public listing identifies his alias, age and the allegations against him.
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