Minnesota Residents Arrested in $21 Million Medicaid Fraud Scheme

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the arrest of two Minnesota residents, Shamso Ahmed Hassan and Hanaan Mursal Yusuf, on charges related to a $21 million Medicaid fraud scheme. They face multiple counts of health care fraud and money laundering.

Hassan was identified as a beneficial owner of Smart Therapy Center LLC and Star Autism Center LLC. She was also an enrolled provider for the Minnesota Early Intensive Development and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) Program and a lead biller for Smart Therapy Center LLC. The defendants allegedly submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicaid through these companies, defrauding a health care benefit program of approximately $21.1 million.

The scheme reportedly spanned over four years, from May 2020 to December 2024. Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said, "These Minnesota residents have been accused of stealing more than $21 million from the American taxpayer." Bis added that ICE continues to focus on fraud in Minnesota. The investigation is led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).