A man accused of orchestrating a massive $1.2 billion Medicare fraud scheme has been arrested overseas and returned to the United States. Herbert Leon Kimble, 60, faced capture in the Philippines after allegedly avoiding U.S. authorities for nearly two years.
Kimble ran a healthcare fraud operation that falsely charged Medicare over $1.2 billion. His scheme, operating through call centers, targeted many elderly beneficiaries by directing them to unnecessary orthopedic braces.
In 2019, Kimble admitted guilt to various federal charges. These included conspiracy to defraud the United States, healthcare and wire fraud, mail fraud, and providing kickbacks and bribes. Despite this, he failed to attend his sentencing in August 2024, prompting a federal warrant and an international search.
His capture is a part of the FBI’s efforts under the newly launched “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list. This initiative aims to publicly identify and apprehend individuals linked to significant fraud cases. Before Kimble, Said Abdullahi Ereg, another person on this list, was taken into custody.
FBI Director Kash Patel recognized the significance of the “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list in a post, noting its role in Kimble’s capture. He emphasized the ongoing commitment to tackling fraud as directed by President Donald Trump. The effort aims to protect taxpayer money and reinforce justice.
The Justice Department, earlier this year, established the National Fraud Enforcement Division to back Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, led by Vice President J.D. Vance. Vance credited the “Most Wanted Fraudsters” list for aiding in Kimble’s arrest and underscored the administration’s determination to bring fraudsters to justice.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche commented on the arrest, highlighting that fleeing the U.S. doesn’t equate to escaping justice. Under Trump’s administration, two fraudsters, including Kimble, have been apprehended from the FBI’s new list within a fortnight.