Doctor, 45, who committed massive Medicare fraud stealing more than $45million and splashing the cash on multimillion-dollar homes, cars and collectibles is jailed for 15 years
California doctor Violetta Mailyan has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for defrauding Medicare of more than $45 million. The case shows how false claims for medical treatment can divert public healthcare funds, and how investigators said Mailyan tried to conceal the fraud.
Prosecutors said Mailyan billed for thousands of Botox injections that were not given or were not eligible for Medicare reimbursement, including claims made while she was travelling or when her clinic was closed. She falsified records and forged patients’ signatures, including one belonging to a man who was in prison. The court also ordered her to forfeit more than $16 million in property and pay about $32.9 million in restitution.
In short
- Doctor jailed for 15 years over more than $45 million in Medicare fraud.
- Claims included Botox injections that were never given.
- She must forfeit more than $16 million and repay about $32.9 million.
Explained simply
Medicare is a US government health insurance programme, mainly for people aged 65 and over and some younger people with disabilities. It pays for eligible medical care, including certain treatments when they meet its rules.
Doctors and clinics can claim payment from Medicare for care they provide. Prosecutors said Violetta Mailyan submitted claims for Botox injections that had not been given or did not qualify for payment, and falsified records to support them.
The case concerns the safeguards used to check healthcare claims and protect public funds. It also shows how alleged fraud can involve forged patient records and claims made when a clinic is closed or its doctor is away.