A Canton, Massachusetts man, Krishna Gidwani, has agreed to plead guilty to charges related to a Medicare fraud scheme that sought to improperly bill the federal program for over $4 million in durable medical equipment (DME) that beneficiaries didn't need or want, and which involved unlawful kickbacks. As reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Gidwani's plea hearing is scheduled for July 30.
This case is part of a broader enforcement initiative dubbed the Department of Justice’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, which has already seen charges leveled against 324 individuals implicated in various health care fraud and illegal drug diversion schemes totaling an estimated $14.6 billion in intended losses. Gidwani, 55, was formally charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, an offense that can carry up to a ten-year prison sentence and a fine of $250,000 or a penalty double the amount of the gross gain or loss resulting from the crime.
The alleged scheme involved soliciting telemarketing companies to procure orders for orthotic devices such as ankle, knee, and back braces, many of which were unwanted by the Medicare beneficiaries. The charging documents also suggest that the medical professionals whose signatures were used to authorize these orders often had not seen the patients, nor prescribed the equipment being billed to Medicare. According to the same documents, Gidwani's co-conspirator, Raju Sharma, has agreed to a guilty plea for his role in the health care fraud conspiracy, with his plea hearing set for July 8.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley commented on the case, saying on the Department of Justice, "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." The crackdown reflects a concerted effort by federal agencies to aggressively pursue those accused of abusing health care programs. This takedown represents the largest coordinated law enforcement effort in this field, with Attorney General Pamela Bondi adding, "Make no mistake – this administration will not tolerate criminals who line their pockets with taxpayer dollars while endangering the health and safety of our communities."
The wide-ranging investigation involved partnerships across various federal and state law enforcement agencies and attorney offices. Assets seized in connection with the takedown include over $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, and other valuables. "Health care fraud affects everyone," explained Ted E. Docks on the Department of Justice, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. "FBI Boston will continue to work with our law enforcement and private sector partners to identify and investigate individuals like Krishna Gidwani who are accused of submitting claims that are medically unnecessary and tainted by kickbacks."
To check out the full list of defendants and summaries of each case prosecuted in this National Health Care Fraud Takedown, interested parties can visit the Department of Justice's official website. It's important to note that the charges against Gidwani are merely allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
