New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the arrests and indictments of Daler Yuldashev, Damir Yuldashev, their company DYD Universe, Inc. (DYD), and Nigina Iskandarova for their involvement in a scheme that defrauded Medicaid of over $2.3 million and paid illegal kickbacks to Medicaid recipients. The Yuldashevs operated DYD as a medical transportation provider, overcharging Medicaid by billing for non-existent trips and adding fake tolls to legitimate rides. They also paid kickbacks to Medicaid recipients to recruit more customers.
“Medical transportation providers are an essential service for New Yorkers who lack the resources to travel to receive care,” said Attorney General James. “These individuals abused our health care system and stole millions of taxpayer dollars meant to provide care for New Yorkers in need. Taking advantage of Medicaid recipients is reprehensible, and my office will always ensure those who attempt to illegally profit from health care fraud face justice.”
Medicaid reimburses approved transportation providers for transporting patients to covered medical services. From April 2018 to March 2023, the Yuldashevs allegedly billed Medicaid for fictitious trips and inflated costs with fake toll charges ranging from $15 to $50 per trip.
Additionally, Daler and Damir Yuldashev, along with Nigina Iskandarova, allegedly made illegal payments to Medicaid recipients as incentives for using DYD’s services. Some passengers were reportedly paid thousands of dollars each.
On July 2, Daler and Damir Yuldashev were charged with Grand Larceny in the First Degree, two counts of Health Care Fraud in the Second Degree, five counts of Medical Assistance Provider Prohibited Practices, and six counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree. Nigina Iskandarova was charged with four counts of Medical Assistance Provider Prohibited Practices. The Grand Larceny charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 25 years in state prison; Iskandarova's charges carry a maximum sentence of up to four years.
The investigation was conducted by Detectives Peter Olsen and Frank Bluszcz with assistance from Supervising Detective Jeffrey Pittswith. Financial analysis was performed by Principal Auditor-Investigators John Annunziata, Lora Pomponio, Melissa Stoebling, and Senior Auditor-Investigator Christopher Giacoia.
Special Assistant Attorneys General Eva Urrutia and Robert Trudell presented the criminal case with support from MFCU Regional Director Todd Pettigrew under MFCU leadership including Director Amy Held and Assistant Deputy Attorney General Paul J. Mahoney. The Division of Criminal Justice is overseen by Chief Deputy Attorney General José Maldonado under First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.
MFCU addresses Medicaid provider fraud and protects nursing home residents from abuse or neglect. Complaints can be filed confidentially online or via the MFCU hotline at (800) 771-7755.
MFCU’s funding for FY 2024 totals $68,997,928; 75 percent ($51,748,448) is awarded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services while New York State funds the remaining 25 percent ($17,249,480).