Two Men Face Multiple Fraud Charges
Authorities report that a primary care physician employed an unlicensed individual at a medical practice in East Hartford, leading to significant fraudulent billing to the state’s Medicaid system.
Dr. Sultan Quraishi is accused of filing $3,000 worth of false health insurance claims with the state.
He faces several charges, including:
- Health insurance fraud
- Conspiracy to commit health insurance fraud
- First-degree theft by defrauding the public
- Conspiracy to commit first-degree theft
- Conspiracy to violate licensing requirements
Investigators allege that Quraishi knowingly hired Mohammad Siddiqui, who lacked a valid medical license in the United States. According to the arrest warrant, Siddiqui claimed to have graduated from medical school in the Dominican Republic but hadn’t pursued U.S. licensure. He mentioned to authorities that he avoided using the title “MD” while working to earn money in the country.
Siddiqui faces similar charges, which include:
- Health insurance fraud
- Conspiracy to commit health insurance fraud
- First-degree theft by defrauding the public
- Conspiracy to commit first-degree theft
- Violation of licensing requirements
- Conspiracy to violate licensing requirements
A former employee estimated that 70 to 80 percent of the patients had Medicaid insurance, as noted in the warrant.
The details of the fraud charges highlight that Quraishi made claims stating he performed specific medical exams, while a patient confirmed it was actually Siddiqui who had conducted those examinations. The allegations include Siddiqui improperly conducting physical exams, administering injections, and prescribing medications without the necessary credentials.
One anonymous patient shared her shock at the news, mentioning, “He was a good doctor to me for years when I went there. I am shocked to hear something like this is happening.”
She expressed outrage about the allegations, adding, “My sisters go there, my friends go there. I’ve been here in East Hartford for almost 20 years. I’m in shock.”
Attempts to reach Quraishi’s attorney were made, and contact cards were left for both men at the Silver Lane Medical Group for comments.
Both individuals are scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on Wednesday.
