FBI Fugitive Wanted on Federal RICO and Health Care Charges Surrenders

On October 13, 2010 FBI agents from New York and Los Angeles, along with the NYPD, ICE, and HHS OIG, carried out arrests in a multi-defendant RICO and health care fraud investigation being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York. The case consists of two separate indictments against 44 alleged members and associates of an Armenian-American organized crime enterprise for a range of offenses including the operation of at least 118 medical clinics located in 25 states and submitting over $100 million in bogus claims to Medicare. This is the largest single Medicare fraud ever charged by the Department of Justice.

“Following the arrests on the 13th, three subjects remained fugitives. This morning, at about 9:30 a.m., Vagan Stepanian surrendered to the FBI in New York without incident and will have an appearance in federal court. Gagik Kyurkchyan and Gourgen Mirimanian remain fugitives and if anyone has information on their whereabouts, they are requested to contact the FBI or local law enforcement,” said Special Agent Richard Kolko.

- Press release on original operation

- Vagan Stepanian poster