SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — Muhammad Adnan Saeed, 40, the owner of Sublime Medical Transportation, has pleaded guilty to Medicaid fraud, admitting to stealing over $700,000 from New York’s Medicaid program. Saeed’s fraudulent actions involved inflating Medicaid bills by falsely claiming group rides as separate individual rides to receive mileage payments for each person in the group.
The New York State Comptroller’s Office uncovered the scheme, and the investigation revealed that more than 2,500 rides billed by Saeed’s company were fraudulent, accounting for nearly 85% of the company’s Medicaid claims over four years.
According to Schenectady County District Attorney Robert Carney, the strong evidence led to the guilty plea, and Saeed’s defense attorney acknowledged that the case was indefensible due to the overwhelming proof.
William Lemon, Assistant District Attorney and Bureau Chief of Financial Crimes, said that the fraud targeted a vulnerable population, particularly those recovering from addiction. “It’s one of the reasons why Medicaid is so costly,” Lemon explained, adding that it all started with a tip and a detailed investigation that uncovered a significant paper trail.
The fraud had serious consequences not just for the Medicaid program, but for all who rely on it. “Clearly, there is a disconnect with how the program is being administered,” Lemon stated, calling for more local oversight of Medicaid services to prevent further exploitation by companies like Saeed’s.
In addition to the Medicaid fraud, Saeed was found to have illegally collected state unemployment benefits while making $88,500 as a driver for his own company. Saeed pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree grand larceny and is facing up to nine years in prison. He must also pay full restitution, totaling nearly $700,000.
Saeed is scheduled to be sentenced on May 23, 2025.
