“This is an example of the need for State investigators who work to protect California’s assistance programs from fraud.   It’s unfortunate that some people participate in schemes to line their own pockets and deplete money from programs meant to help those in need of assistance.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SAN DIEGO – On October 17, 2024, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the filing of criminal charges against Southern California dentist, Husam Aldairi, along with five employees of his dental practice, for their alleged fraudulent billing scheme that allegedly defrauded the state Medi-Cal program of more than $847,000 between 2016 and 2020.

Husam Aldairi, Rawaa Attar, Lilyan Krikorian, Inci Narin, Laith Alani, and Fadi Shammas have been charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and Medi-Cal fraud, both felonies. 

“When providers defraud Medi-Cal, it not only undermines the integrity of the program, but it also poses a significant threat to the patients who rely on its critical services for their health and well-being,” said Attorney General Bonta. “At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to hold accountable those who perpetuate Medi-Cal fraud. We must ensure that the program remains reliable and accessible in providing quality healthcare to those who need it most.”

Aldairi’s clinics contracted with Borrego Community Health Foundation, a Federally Qualified Health Center that serves Medi-Cal patients, to provide dental services to underserved populations and communities. Aldairi was entitled to reimbursement for each patient visit, rather than the specific services performed. However, Aldairi allegedly fraudulently billed for services that were either not rendered, or not rendered over multiple days, as was claimed to maximize profit from Medi-Cal reimbursements.

It is important to note that criminal charges must be proven in a court of law. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

A copy of the criminal complaint is available here.