Ohio Medicaid and Romance Fraud Schemes Totaling $42M Lead to Nine Arrests

Federal and state prosecutors in Ohio have charged nine defendants in connection with alleged fraud schemes totaling more than $42 million, the Justice Department said Thursday, as authorities announced a broader crackdown that includes new arrests, asset seizures, and the launch of an FBI “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list.

The coordinated enforcement action also led to detention orders this week for three defendants tied to a separate $15 million romance fraud case, with two additional suspects awaiting extradition from Ghana, officials said.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the cases reflect expanded cooperation between federal and state agencies aimed at dismantling complex fraud operations. “No fraud scheme is beyond our reach,” Blanche said, citing a Medicaid fraud case in which proceeds were allegedly used to fund luxury vehicles and lifestyles.

Multiple Schemes Charged

The charges span health care fraud, government program fraud, and consumer fraud cases across Ohio.

In the Southern District of Ohio, four defendants are accused of orchestrating a behavioral health fraud scheme exceeding $30 million by billing Medicaid for services that were either unnecessary or never provided. Authorities said the scheme targeted children and young adults in settings such as summer camps and church programs.

Prosecutors said the defendants continued submitting fraudulent claims through another entity after losing the proper credentials. Investigators seized three bank accounts holding approximately $469,000 and 14 vehicles valued at roughly $800,000, including luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Bentley, and Maserati.

Separately, Robert Haley, 63, of Cincinnati, was charged in state court in connection with an alleged $12 million Medicaid billing scheme involving after-school programs for children.

In another case, four defendants in the Southern District of Ohio were charged with conspiring to obtain more than $1.4 million in fraudulent COVID-19 relief funds. Prosecutors allege they submitted false Paycheck Protection Program loan applications and used the proceeds for personal expenses.

International Romance Scam

In the Northern District of Ohio, prosecutors detailed a transnational romance fraud scheme that allegedly defrauded more than 130 victims nationwide of over $15 million.

Three defendants—two from Ghana and one using multiple aliases—were ordered detained. Two additional Ghana-based suspects are awaiting extradition.

According to the indictments, the group targeted older Americans through dating sites and social media, using fictitious identities and, in some cases, artificial intelligence-generated videos to build relationships. Victims were persuaded to send money through wire transfers to accounts controlled by the conspirators.

Authorities said international operations led to the seizure of assets worth more than $3 million, including high-end vehicles such as a Lamborghini and a Tesla Cybertruck.

New Enforcement Model

The Justice Department also announced new measures to strengthen federal-state coordination, including a data-sharing agreement with the Ohio Secretary of State to help identify ownership links among entities used in fraud schemes.

Officials said Ohio will serve as a model for enhanced collaboration, including joint investigations, cross-designation of prosecutors, and expanded use of data analytics to detect fraud.

FBI “Most Wanted Fraudsters”

The FBI unveiled a new “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list aimed at publicizing fugitive suspects involved in major fraud cases and encouraging public assistance in locating them.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the initiative builds on the success of the agency’s long-running “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives” program and is intended to intensify efforts against financial crimes targeting government programs and vulnerable populations.

Authorities emphasized that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.