Nigerian man charged in U.S. for $25M healthcare fraud as DOJ cracks down on $14.6B scheme implicating 324 suspects in massive criminal operation

[dropcap]A[/dropcap] Nigerian man charged in U.S. over a $25 million healthcare fraud scheme has been named among 324 suspects implicated in a nationwide enforcement operation.

Also read: Ghanaians, Nigerian face prosecution over alleged multi-billion naira fraud

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) said the coordinated sweep across 50 districts uncovered an intended loss of $14.6 billion—one of the largest fraud crackdowns in American history.

The Nigerian man charged in U.S. court is Olatunbosun Osukoya, 67, owner of Ayo Biometrics LLC, trading as Cambridge Diagnostics, based in Plano, Texas.

Prosecutors allege that Osukoya masterminded a multi-million-dollar scheme, falsely billing government healthcare programmes for unnecessary and overpriced medical tests.

The DOJ accused Osukoya of exploiting insured patients by pushing them through expensive EEG (electroencephalogram) procedures that had no medical justification.

To secure a steady stream of referrals, he allegedly paid healthcare professionals over $450,000 in bribes and disguised these payments as consultation fees or medical directorships.

“He went to great lengths to falsify diagnoses and fabricate medical records to support the false claims,” the indictment stated.

“This elaborate deception was orchestrated to defraud American taxpayers and abuse systems designed to help the vulnerable.”

According to the U.S. government, Osukoya’s operation submitted more than $25 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare and TRICARE. Out of that, $5 million was paid out before the scheme was uncovered.

The Nigerian man charged in U.S. reportedly concealed illegal payments by manipulating financial records to appear legitimate. Prosecutors say this level of deceit was calculated and deliberate.

“Healthcare fraud erodes public trust, exploits patients, and drains vital resources,” said a DOJ spokesperson.

“We will continue to prosecute anyone, including foreign nationals, who abuse the system for personal gain.”

The DOJ’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown has implicated a broad range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and business owners.

The crackdown aims to restore accountability in healthcare billing and crack down on systemic abuse.

In a related case, another Nigerian national, Newton Ofioritse Jemide, was recently sentenced to over three years in prison after being extradited from France. Jemide was convicted in a separate $8 million disaster relief fraud scheme.

Osukoya faces charges of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, a federal offence carrying penalties of up to 20 years in prison, alongside asset forfeiture and fines. If convicted, he could also face immigration-related consequences.

Public interest in the case has been high, particularly given the scale and complexity of the scheme.

Cambridge Diagnostics, once thought to be a reputable facility, now sits at the centre of one of the most significant Medicare scams in recent years.

“This case is not just about one individual,” said analyst Dr. Rachel Mendez.

“It is a window into how loopholes in the healthcare system are being exploited, often with devastating financial consequences.”

The Nigerian man charged in U.S. remains in custody pending trial. A federal judge has scheduled the first hearing for later this month.

The DOJ reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice is served.

“This case sends a strong message: defrauding the U.S. healthcare system will not go unpunished, regardless of your nationality,” the spokesperson added.

Also read: Nigerian, Abiola Kayode, extradited to US over $6 million fraud scheme

As the investigation continues, authorities are working to identify any additional co-conspirators and recover stolen funds. More arrests could follow in the coming weeks.

Source: Read more at iretura.com