A foreign national from Azerbaijan, Anar Rustamov, has been indicted on charges of health care fraud after allegedly attempting to steal more than $90 million in federal funds through fraudulent claims in the Medicare Advantage program.
Details of the Fraud Scheme
Rustamov, 38, was indicted by a federal grand jury last week on charges of submitting thousands of false claims to Medicare Advantage Organizations for medical equipment such as blood glucose monitors and orthotic braces. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California, Rustamov used a company he created, Dublin Helping Hand, to carry out the scheme between October 2024 and June 2025.
The scheme involved submitting claims for medical equipment that was either not provided, not needed by the patients, or not authorized by medical providers. The patients listed on the claims were unaware that their personal information was being used, and the medical providers who were named on the claims did not approve them, according to the indictment.
Rustamov’s Background and Allegations
Rustamov, who previously lived in Sunnyvale, California, is believed to have entered the United States illegally. He allegedly submitted fraudulent claims to Medicare Advantage organizations for nonexistent equipment totaling over $90 million.
Rustamov remains at large, and federal officials are actively searching for him.
Federal Response and Charges
The Justice Department has made it clear that it is committed to targeting and prosecuting those involved in defrauding taxpayer-funded programs like Medicare. Craig H. Missakian, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California, stated, “Rustamov participated in a scheme to steal nearly $100 million in taxpayer funds from a program intended to help those who truly need medical care.”
Rustamov could face up to 20 years in prison and fines of $250,000 for each violation if convicted.
Rustamov’s case highlights the growing issue of fraud targeting federal health programs like Medicare Advantage. The indictment serves as a warning to those who attempt to exploit the system for personal gain, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to combat fraud and protect public funds.
