NEW YORK, NY — Two New York men have been federally charged in a sophisticated HIV medication fraud scheme that allegedly exploited e-prescribing platforms and stolen identities, federal prosecutors announced.
Josue Torres and Anthony Guerra were arrested on June 17 and charged with orchestrating a four-year operation that generated an estimated $2.6 million in fraudulent prescriptions. The pair allegedly used the stolen identities of 18 doctors and numerous patients to issue 693 fake prescriptions for high-cost HIV medications, which they then resold on the black market.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the scheme involved the manipulation of electronic prescribing systems to minimize costs via copay assistance programs, maximizing profits while endangering patient safety and public health.
“These defendants allegedly exploited private medical information to feed the black market with critical medications,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton added, “The crimes endangered patients and undermined the integrity of our health care system.”
The case is part of a nationwide Department of Justice crackdown on healthcare fraud, involving 324 defendants and over $14.6 billion in alleged fraudulent claims. Authorities have already seized $245 million in assets, including luxury cars and cash.
If convicted, Torres and Guerra each face up to 20 years in federal prison. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry Ross from the General Crimes Unit. As of now, the charges remain allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
