COVID-19 Testing Fraud Exposed: Lab Owner Zishan Alvi's Guilty Plea
COVID-19 testing fraud is the focus as Zishan Alvi, a 45-year-old laboratory owner from Chicago, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud as part of a fraudulent scheme that bilked health authorities out of $14 million.
The Department of Justice revealed this information on September 30. Alvi's lab was accused of filing fraudulent claims with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for tests that were not actually conducted between February 2021 and February 2022. The funds were reportedly used for personal gain, including luxury vehicles and cryptocurrency investments.
Details of the Fraud Scheme
Federal prosecutors allege that the lab under Alvi's ownership claimed to provide both PCR and antigen COVID-19 tests that promised results in just 15 minutes. However, many samples sent for analysis either went untested or resulted in inconclusive outcomes.
Indictment and Sentencing
Alvi's lab allegedly received over $83 million from the HRSA during the pandemic. In 2021, he was indicted on multiple counts including wire fraud and theft of government funds. After pleading guilty to one count, Alvi is scheduled for sentencing on February 7, 2025, where he faces a potential 20-year prison term.
The FBI and the Office of Inspector General for Health and Human Services continue their investigation into this case, highlighting widespread issues of fraud in health care during the pandemic.
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