Four individuals in New Hampshire have been criminally charged as part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announced today. The charges involve fraudulent claims submitted to Medicare for durable medical equipment, the theft of a U.S. citizen’s identity to obtain Medicare and Medicaid benefits, and a pharmacist diverting controlled substances.
This local action is part of a strategically coordinated nationwide law enforcement effort that has resulted in charges against 455 defendants across 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories. These schemes, many involving doctors and licensed medical professionals, collectively represent over $6.5 billion in false claims and have caused significant patient harm. The takedown also featured unprecedented international cooperation, leading to the apprehension of healthcare fraudsters in Kyrenia, Estonia, and the Philippines.
Among those charged in New Hampshire is Fructoso de Jesus Gomez Agudelo, 76, of Nashua, accused of wire fraud, false statements, and aggravated identity theft. He allegedly stole a U.S. citizen’s identity for over 20 years to obtain more than $500,000 in various federal benefits, including Medicare and Medicaid. Kakha Bendeliani, 48, and Goga Danelia, 37, both from the country of Georgia, face charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering. They are implicated in a nationwide scheme that submitted nearly $3 billion in fraudulent claims to Medicare for durable medical equipment, with approximately $12.5 million laundered overseas through Centennial Med Supply LLC. Rima Gerges-Maalouf, 60, of Massachusetts, a per diem pharmacist, was charged with diverting approximately 147 controlled prescription pills and capsules for her personal use while working in northern New Hampshire in August 2024.
U.S. Attorney Creegan emphasized the importance of these actions, saying, "Protecting the integrity of our federal health care programs is an important priority." She added that the alleged conduct "not only threatens the financial health of Medicare and Medicaid, it puts real people at risk." Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of HHS-OIG, said the effort reflects a commitment to safeguarding the nation's healthcare system, while Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, called the looting of federal health care programs a "federal crime."
The comprehensive enforcement action also includes significant administrative measures by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which suspended 1,079 providers and revoked billing privileges for 1,403. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has initiated 928 administrative cases since October 2025 to revoke authority for handling controlled substances. This whole-of-government approach, supported by the newly created National Fraud Enforcement Division, aligns with President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, aiming to combat fraud, waste, and abuse within federal benefit programs.