Suspect Charged in $90M Medicare Fraud Scheme, Remains at Large

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Federal prosecutors have charged Anar Rustamov, 38, a national of Azerbaijan, with orchestrating a large-scale health care fraud scheme targeting Medicare Advantage programs. Rustamov, who previously resided in Sunnyvale, California, allegedly attempted to steal over $90 million in taxpayer funds through fraudulent claims for medical equipment.

Why it matters

This case highlights a concerning trend of increasing fraud targeting Medicare Advantage programs. While Medicare Advantage plans offer benefits and cost savings, their complexity can create opportunities for exploitation by fraudsters who submit false claims, bill for services not rendered, or enroll ineligible beneficiaries.

The details

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California, Rustamov submitted thousands of false claims through a company he created, Dublin Helping Hand. These claims were for medical equipment such as blood glucose monitors and orthotic braces. The indictment alleges that the scheme ran from October 2024 through June 2025. Crucially, the alleged fraud involved billing for equipment that was never provided, was not medically necessary, or lacked proper authorization from healthcare providers. Many patients listed on the claims were reportedly unaware their information had been used, and the physicians named did not approve the requests.

• Rustamov's alleged fraud scheme ran from October 2024 through June 2025.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Authorities are actively seeking Rustamov's apprehension, as he is believed to have entered the United States illegally. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each violation.