A man from Canton, Massachusetts, has been charged as part of the Department of Justice’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. Krishna Gidwani, aged 55, is accused of participating in a scheme to defraud Medicare of over $4 million by submitting claims for unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME). The equipment was reportedly not wanted by Medicare beneficiaries and was linked to kickbacks.
Gidwani faces one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and has agreed to plead guilty. His plea hearing is scheduled for July 30, 2025. According to court documents, Gidwani allegedly collaborated with Raju Sharma and other co-conspirators in operating a DME company that paid telemarketing firms for orders of orthotics like ankle, wrist, knee, and back braces. Many Medicare beneficiaries reportedly did not require or desire these items. Additionally, doctors whose signatures appeared on the DME orders often did not treat or prescribe them for the beneficiaries involved. Raju Sharma has also agreed to plead guilty to health care fraud conspiracy with his plea hearing set for July 8, 2025.
The charge carries a potential sentence of up to ten years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the crime. Sentences are determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley stated: “Mr. Gidwani is accused of manipulating Medicare to enrich himself – misusing the names of unwitting doctors to push unwanted and unnecessary medical equipment onto elderly patients.” She emphasized that health care fraud increases costs and undermines trust in the medical system.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi remarked on the scale of this enforcement action: “This record-setting Health Care Fraud Takedown delivers justice to criminal actors who prey upon our most vulnerable citizens.”
Juliet T. Hodgkins from HHS-OIG commented on the unprecedented nature of this takedown: “Individuals who attempt to steal from the federal health care system and put vulnerable patients at risk will be held accountable.”
Ted E. Docks from FBI’s Boston Division highlighted that health care fraud strains vital systems and costs taxpayers billions annually.
The announcement is part of a coordinated national effort resulting in charges against 324 defendants related to schemes involving more than $14.6 billion in intended losses.
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across various districts are prosecuting cases involved in this takedown with assistance from state attorney generals’ offices.
It should be noted that all details mentioned in charging documents are allegations until proven otherwise in court.
