News Summary

In a significant crackdown on health care fraud, more than a dozen individuals in Michigan face charges as part of a nationwide investigation. The Justice Department’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action has resulted in 324 total charges across the U.S. In Michigan, charges include conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and filing false claims to Medicaid. The operation has led to the seizure of over $245 million in assets and highlights the alarming scale and impact of fraudulent practices on vulnerable populations and taxpayers.

Detroit, Michigan — More than a dozen individuals in Michigan are facing charges stemming from a major health care fraud investigation that is part of a nationwide crackdown. This investigation, conducted by federal authorities, has resulted in a total of 324 charges filed against individuals across the United States, emphasizing the scale of the fraudulent activities.

The charges were filed under the Justice Department’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action. Individuals involved exploited healthcare systems, engaging in schemes that included Medicaid fraud and the illegal sale of controlled substance prescriptions in exchange for cash. As a result of these activities, federal authorities seized assets worth more than $245 million, which included cash, luxury vehicles, and other high-value items.

Investigators estimate that such fraudulent activities could have led to a staggering financial loss of approximately $14.6 billion. The illegal distribution of controlled substances is also alarming, with an estimated 15 billion pills being distributed unlawfully. The health care fraud perpetrated by these individuals has significant implications for vulnerable populations and taxpayers alike.

Among those charged in Michigan are Usman Ahmad, 66, of Lake Orion, who is accused of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances while owning Detroit Hoover Pharmacy. Others include Durand Dynum, 46, from Canton, who allegedly recruited fake patients for drug distribution, as well as Ebony Daniels, 33, from Eastpointe, and Allen Satawhite, 37, from Detroit, who also participated in this recruitment.

Wahid Makki and Zainab Makki, both 62 and from Dearborn Heights, face charges for filing false claims to Medicaid and Medicare; they have agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle a lawsuit. Additionally, Dr. Mohmmed Al-Shihabi, 55, from Northville, is charged with health care fraud for submitting $450,000 in fraudulent Medicare claims, while Dr. Priti Bhardwaj, 55, from Bloomfield Township, is implicated for falsely claiming $1 million in Medicare funds. Ali Naserdean, a 32-year-old from Dearborn, allegedly billed over $6 million for medications that were not necessary.

Other individuals charged include Paul Eric Lyons, 41, from Fraser, and Tiffany Nicole Childs, 35, from Sterling Heights, who are linked to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, with Lyons additionally charged with identity theft. James Alexander Carthron, 61, from Saginaw, is charged with submitting false claims to Medicaid. Daleena Taree Miller, 42, from Battle Creek, is accused of falsifying documents related to Medicaid services.

In a related matter, Villa Financial Services LLC and Villa Olympia Investment LLC, along with six nursing homes based in Southeast Michigan, have agreed to pay $4.5 million to settle lawsuits for failing to provide adequate services to their residents. This highlights the broader implications of health care fraud not only on financial resources but also on the well-being of individuals in care facilities.

Michigan’s Attorney General, Dana Nessel, underscored the harmful impact of such fraud on recipients of care and taxpayers. She advocates for accountability among those responsible for these crimes rather than resorting to cuts in vital healthcare services.

The efforts to combat health care fraud reflect a commitment to protect vulnerable citizens and ensure that resources are allocated properly within the healthcare system. The Attorney General’s office has noted the importance of thoroughly investigating these fraud schemes and taking decisive action against those who engage in illegal activities, thereby attempting to safeguard the integrity of the healthcare system as a whole.