Acting U.S. Attorney Joel L. Violanti announced that Munef Fadhel, a 37-year-old resident of Lackawanna, NY, has pleaded guilty to health care fraud. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr., and the charge carries a potential maximum sentence of 10 years and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright provided details on the case, explaining that between June 2017 and December 2020, Fadhel defrauded the Medicaid program while operating Great Lake Transportation, Inc., a company offering rides to Medicaid beneficiaries. During his tenure at the company, Fadhel submitted numerous false records for transportation reimbursements by claiming shared rides as individual ones to receive higher payments. This fraudulent activity resulted in Medicaid losing over $95,000.
The investigation leading to this plea was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia and the New York State Department of Financial Services led by Superintendent Adrienne A. Harris.
Fadhel's sentencing is set for August 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with Judge Sinatra presiding over the proceedings.