12 Illinois residents among those charged in $26 million insurance-fraud scheme

Twelve Illinois residents are amongst almost two dozen individuals who face federal expenses for an alleged $26 million insurance-fraud scheme that lasted almost a decade.

Prosecutors say the defendants filed false purposes to get life insurance coverage insurance policies after which tricked carriers into paying loss of life advantages by mendacity concerning the identities of deceased individuals.

The feds say the defendants would pay premiums on the insurance policies for 2 years, till the interval for contestability expired. Claims for loss of life advantages would then be submitted utilizing false loss of life certificates. The defendants are additionally accused of mendacity to regulation enforcement, first responders, medical personnel, funeral dwelling workers and cemetery staff.

The indictment seeks forfeiture of at the least $26 million in alleged ill-gotten beneficial properties, in addition to 9 luxurious autos, eight Rolex watches and properties in Orland Park, Bridgeview and Burbank.

These charged from the Chicago space embody James Mills, Juley Ely, Ginger Ely and Joe Rouga of Oak Garden; Frank Costello of Hoffman Estates; Mary Bacco of Bridgeview; Steve Montega, Niko Ristick and Ricky Blanca of Orland Park; Mark Blanca and Diana Lumas of Burbank; and Joe John of Arlington Heights.