On February 6, 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that four pharmacists were sentenced in connection with a $13 million health care fraud case involving Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The individuals received varying sentences based on their roles in the case.
Raef Hamaed, a pharmacist from Maricopa County, Arizona, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on January 8. Tarek Fakhuri, a Windsor, Ontario pharmacist, received a seven-year sentence on January 13. Ali Abdelrazzaq, a pharmacist from Macomb County, Michigan, was sentenced to two years on January 15. Kindy Ghussin, a pharmacist from Greene County, Ohio, was sentenced to five years and five months on February 6.
According to court documents, authorities claimed that the pharmacists operated five pharmacies across Michigan and Ohio—Eastside Pharmacy, Harper Drugs, Wayne Campus Pharmacy, Heartland Pharmacy, and Heartland Pharmacy 2—and billed Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield for medications that were not dispensed. These allegations led to charges of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, with one pharmacist also facing an additional charge of health care fraud.
A jury reached a verdict on September 5, 2024, and the court subsequently issued sentences that reflected the varying levels of involvement in the operations. Hamaed’s sentence, for example, accounted for alleged activities at multiple pharmacy locations, while others were sentenced based on specific sites and responsibilities.
This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force initiative, which focuses on investigating and prosecuting health care fraud nationwide. Since its launch in 2007, the forcee has brought charges against thousands of individuals in connection with alleged schemes involving federal health care programs and private insurers.
Health care professionals facing similar allegations often find themselves navigating complex regulatory frameworks and government investigations. These cases require a thorough understanding of health care compliance, billing practices, and the legal process.
At Chilivis Grubman, our attorneys are experienced in handling health care fraud matters and providing strategic defense for providers under scrutiny. We work to protect our clients’ rights and guide them through these challenging situations. If you or your organization are facing health care-related legal issues, contact us to discuss how we can assist you.