The manager in control of multiple medical clinics in Brooklyn and Queens, New York, was found guilty today for his role in a nearly $100 million health care kickback and money laundering scheme.
After a two-week trial, Aleksandr Pikus, 44, of Brooklyn, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, two counts of money laundering, one count of conspiracy to receive and pay health care kickbacks and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States by obstructing the IRS. Sentencing has been set for April 8, 2020.
“Aleksandr Pikus was the architect of a massive healthcare kickback and money laundering scheme in which he and his co-conspirators stole tens of millions of dollars from the Medicare and Medicaid programs,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The jury’s verdict reflects the tireless work of our dedicated prosecutors and law enforcement partners to achieve justice and protect these essential healthcare programs on behalf of American taxpayers.”
“Pikus’s health care schemes were a toxic brew of kickbacks and money laundering that streamed millions of dollars into the pockets of the defendant and his co-conspirators at the expense of the Medicare and Medicaid programs,” said U.S. Attorney Richard P. Donoghue for the Eastern District of New York. “Today’s verdict demonstrates the resolve of this office and our law enforcement partners to protect taxpayer-funded health care programs upon which our citizens rely.”
“Mr. Pikus brazenly participated in a greed-fueled scheme that stole millions from Medicare and Medicaid,” said Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG). “Along with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG will continue to protect the public and the taxpayer funded health care programs that serve those who need them.”
“IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to ensuring that every taxpayer is measured by the same rule of law while paying their fair share,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) New York Office. “Our special agents play a critical role investigating criminal violations of the Internal Revenue Code and related financial crimes. Every day, we entrust medical service providers with our most valuable asset—our health. That is why healthcare kickbacks and money laundering schemes like this one are particularly disturbing. Today’s guilty verdict serves as a reminder that crimes like money laundering and tax fraud will not go unpunished.”
