Charged by the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, five individuals are facing allegations in connection with two significant fraud schemes, which investigators claim defrauded the Medicaid system out of more than $10 million.
Announced in the first case, Attorney General Keith Ellison stated that Abdifatah Yusuf and Lul Ahmed, through their agency Promise Health Services LLC, systematically defrauded Medicaid. Purportedly, they billed for non-existent services, overcharged, used falsified documentation, and offered kickbacks to clients. Reported by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) investigators, the fraudulent activities by Yusuf and Ahmed resulted in the theft of over $7.2 million, which funded a luxurious lifestyle featuring high-end cars, expensive home furnishings, and designer clothing. Racketeering and six counts of felony aiding and abetting theft by swindle are the charges Yusuf faces, while Ahmed is charged with two counts of felony aiding and abetting theft by swindle. This investigation also implicated Abdiweli Mohamud, another individual. Allegedly, Mohamud, who owned Minnesota Home Health Care LLC, allowed a banned provider, Abdirashid Said, to control the company. Billed under Mohamud’s ownership, the company is accused of charging over $500,000 for undocumented or fraudulently documented services, with total illicit gains exceeding $1.8 million. Similar charges as Yusuf are what Mohamud faces.
Charged in the second case, Charles Omato and LaTonia Jackson face allegations for their roles in defrauding the Minnesota Medical Assistance program of more than $1.4 million. Operated by them, a non-emergency medical transportation service called Driving Miss Daisy allegedly billed for services that were never provided or exaggerated the times and distances of rides to increase payments.
Part of a broader effort, this crackdown by the AG’s office to combat Medicaid fraud is significant. Highlighted by earlier reports from KARE 11, ongoing investigations and charges are ongoing. Reported last year, in a case, three individuals were charged with defrauding the Medicaid system of $11 million through fraudulent billing practices by personal care assistant companies.
Important to maintaining the integrity of the Medicaid system is what Attorney General Ellison emphasized, ensuring that funds are used appropriately to benefit those in need. “Entitled to receive all the care, dignity, and respect they’re entitled to are Minnesotans who rely on Medical Assistance. Stated by Ellison, taxpayers deserve to know that their money is being spent properly and legally,” Ellison stated. “Undermine these rights, and we are committed to holding all offenders accountable is what those who commit Medicaid fraud do.”
With its partners, the AG’s office continues to work diligently to identify, investigate, and prosecute those involved in defrauding public assistance programs, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding public resources.
