A fugitive accused of orchestrating a significant Medicare fraud scheme has been captured overseas and returned to the U.S. This suspect is the second to be apprehended from the FBI’s new ‘Most Wanted Fraudsters’ list.
Herbert Leon Kimble, 60, allegedly evaded justice for nearly two years. Authorities arrested him in the Philippines. Kimble reportedly ran a healthcare fraud plan that resulted in over $1.2 billion in Medicare charges, impacting numerous elderly beneficiaries. The operation involved call centers directing patients toward unnecessary orthopedic products.
Kash Patel, FBI Director, mentioned the arrest on social media, noting that Kimble orchestrated the fraud targeting Medicare from 2014 to 2019.
The charges against Kimble include conspiracy to defraud the U.S., healthcare fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, and bribery. He pleaded guilty in 2019 but skipped his sentencing in August 2024, triggering a federal warrant and international search.
A few weeks prior, the Justice Department revealed its ‘Most Wanted Fraudsters’ list to highlight individuals linked to major fraud cases. The first arrest, Said Abdullahi Ereg, involved charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, among others.
The fraud crackdown includes action from the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, led by Vice President J.D. Vance. The initiative focuses on protecting taxpayer funds by pursuing large-scale fraud cases.
Federal officials, including Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, emphasize the commitment to pursuing justice. Blanche stated that fleeing the U.S. does not mean escaping accountability. He credited the capture to President Donald Trump’s directive and efforts from the new National Fraud Enforcement Division, which supports fraud elimination efforts.
Vice President Vance acknowledged the support from the Philippine authorities in locating Kimble. He reiterated the administration’s dedication to bringing fraudsters to justice and ensuring they answer for their crimes.