FBI launches Most Wanted Fraudsters list, establishes partnership in Ohio to fight fraud

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A new federal-state partnership in Ohio will help track down and prosecute people who commit fraud.

At a news conference in Columbus Thursday, Justice Department officials also announced the creation of the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list.

On the list are the alleged “worst of the worst” offenders accused of stealing millions in taxpayer money.

“Ohio is leading the charge in the fight against fraud, and some states should take notice,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Working closely with Ohio officials, the Department of Justice dismantled a sophisticated Medicaid fraud scheme that exploited taxpayers to fund exotic cars and lavish lifestyles. By holding these fraudsters accountable and partnering with the FBI on a robust Most Wanted fraudster list, we are pursuing fraud more aggressively than ever. No fraud scheme is beyond our reach.”

Officials also announced they seized seven bank accounts worth $600,000 and 14 vehicles worth millions, all of which officials said came as “direct proceeds from robbing value community healthcare resources from Americans who needed it.”

“The days of deception are over. As the stewards of your tax dollars, if we find evidence of willful and deliberate abuse of government programs, we will investigate and prosecute those individuals responsible to the full extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer, for the Northern District of Ohio.

In Northern Ohio, two 22-year-old men from Ghana and a 53-year-old woman were ordered detained this week in connection with an over $15 million romance scam that defrauded over 130 victims across the United States.

Two 31-year-old Ghana men also accused in the romance scam are awaiting extradition.