## Allegations of Massive Medicare Fraud
A Southern California man and woman, Sophia Shaklian, 36, of Los Angeles, and Alex Alexsanian, 47, of Burbank, have been accused of defrauding Medicare out of more than $54 million through a scheme involving phony claims for hospice and diagnostic testing services, as well as laundering the illegal funds by purchasing millions of dollars worth of gold coins and bars, as reported by federal authorities.
From March 2019 to August 2024, Shaklian allegedly used aliases to submit fraudulent claims for seven healthcare providers enrolled with Medicare in Los Angeles County, including a hospice company owned by her called Chateau d’Lumina Hospice and Palliative Care, and several diagnostic testing companies such as Saint Gorge Radiology and Hope Diagnostics.
## Unraveling the Money Laundering Scheme
Shaklian and Alexsanian are said to have received more than $23 million from these fraudulent claims. Shaklian is further accused of laundering the Medicare funds by transferring them to accounts under the fake name “Varsenic Babaian.” On the other hand, Alexsanian’s involvement extended to instructing a foreign national to open Saint Gorge Radiology and acquire Medicare provider Console Hospice in Sylmar, California, before taking control of these entities and their finances.
The duo, along with the foreign national and others, allegedly collaborated to submit false claims to Medicare and subsequently laundered the reimbursements by purchasing over $6 million in gold bars and coins. These actions were carried out under the fabricated identity of “Babaian.”
## Legal Consequences
If convicted, Shaklian could face a maximum sentence of 10 years for each healthcare fraud count and up to 20 years for each money laundering count. Similarly, Alexsanian could potentially spend up to 20 years in federal prison for each count.
Overall, this case underscores the significant consequences that individuals face when engaging in healthcare fraud and money laundering schemes. It also sheds light on the creative methods perpetrators use to conceal and launder illicit funds, highlighting the importance of robust enforcement and oversight in healthcare reimbursement programs.
