A nationwide law enforcement operation, the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, has resulted in criminal charges against 455 defendants, including an Oahu pharmacist, Henry Quan, for an alleged scheme to defraud Medicare of at least $1.5 million.
The coordinated action spans 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, involving 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units and unprecedented international cooperation. The charges collectively involve over $6.5 billion in alleged false claims and significant patient harm. Among the defendants are 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, with international apprehensions made in Kyrenia, Estonia, and the Philippines.
In Hawaii, Henry Quan, 54, of Honolulu, was charged with healthcare fraud. As a registered pharmacist controlling Wellness Pharmacy, Quan allegedly billed Medicare for prescription drugs that were never dispensed. This included fraudulently claiming high-cost medications like Restasis, despite the pharmacy lacking sufficient supplies to cover the billed amounts, leading to a loss of at least $1.5 million.
U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson emphasized the commitment to eradicating health care fraud, stating, “Health care fraud – driven by greed and a total disregard for the patients whom health care providers are meant to serve – is a blight on our community.” FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter added, “As alleged, the defendant compromised the integrity of our healthcare system and put profits over patient care.” Special Agent in Charge Robb Breeden of HHS-OIG commended the diligent work of investigators and prosecutors, reiterating HHS-OIG’s commitment to pursuing those who exploit federal healthcare programs.
Beyond criminal charges, the takedown involved extensive administrative actions. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) suspended 1,079 providers and revoked billing privileges for 1,403. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) pursued 25 actions seeking over $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund. These efforts align with President Donald J Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance, aimed at combating fraud, waste, and abuse in federal benefit programs.