Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced criminal charges against Husam Aldairi, a dentist from Southern California, and five of his employees. They are accused of defrauding the state's Medi-Cal program of nearly $900,000 through a fraudulent billing scheme.

The individuals charged alongside Aldairi include Rawaa Attar, Lilyan Krikorian, Inci Narin, Laith Alani, and Fadi Shammas. All face charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and Medi-Cal fraud, both classified as felonies.

Attorney General Bonta stated, "When providers defraud Medi-Cal, it not only undermines the integrity of the program but also poses a significant threat to the patients who rely on its critical services for their health and well-being." He emphasized that the California Department of Justice will continue efforts to hold accountable those involved in Medi-Cal fraud to ensure the program remains reliable for those in need.

Aldairi's clinics had contracts with Borrego Community Health Foundation to offer dental services to underserved communities. The reimbursement was based on patient visits rather than specific services performed. However, Aldairi allegedly billed for services not rendered or falsely claimed multiple-day procedures to increase profits from Medi-Cal reimbursements. The fraudulent activities reportedly resulted in over $847,000 being billed between 2016 and 2020.

It is crucial to remember that these charges must be proven in court. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse receives significant funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant totaling $69,244,976 for Federal fiscal year 2025. The remaining funds come from the State of California.