FBI Arrests Executives for Alleged Healthcare Fraud
On Wednesday, the FBI revealed that they had taken two executives from a medical device company into custody, suspecting them of being involved in a conspiracy to commit fraud.
Thomas Sandgaard and Anna Lucsok, who served as the CEO and COO of Zynex Inc. respectively, were arrested by agents from the Boston and Denver offices of the FBI.
“This case illustrates a serious abuse of patients looking for treatment and misusing the federal health care benefits system,” said Ted Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. He went on to claim that these executives sought personal financial gain, allegedly defrauding the government and insurance companies out of hundreds of millions of dollars while preying on vulnerable patients in pain.
Docks further emphasized, “Healthcare fraud shouldn’t be a shortcut to boosting corporate profits and funding extravagant lifestyles for executives. It’s a federal crime with severe repercussions. The FBI will keep collaborating with our partners to pursue those who exploit the U.S. government.”
According to a press release, investigators from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Rhode Island disclosed more details regarding the alleged fraud, asserting that over $873 million was improperly collected between 2017 and 2025.
The duo reportedly devised a plan to fraudulently secure funds from both governmental and private health insurance patients. They also stand accused of misleading Zynex investors by concealing invoices and profits.
Claims have been made that more than $600 million of the misappropriated funds stemmed from supplies that were falsely claimed as necessary. The law firm involved stated that “the indictment asserts that supplies were shipped excessively, at times amounting to 32, 64, or even 128 electrode pairs for each patient monthly.” Sandgaard and Lusok purportedly used these deceptive claims to inflate the company’s financial statements and stock value.
The indictment mentions that even after being advised that their billing methods were fraudulent, the two continued dispatching unwarranted supplies. They ignored notifications from patients asking them to stop sending items since they were already overwhelmed with excessive shipments.
One patient raised concerns with the Better Business Bureau in 2022, explaining that despite continued deliveries of materials, they faced rejections. They shared, “I was told I owed a significant amount of money, and I’m just managing on $1,100 each month. I can barely afford food.”
Another individual described the company as a “total scam,” recalling that after receiving the product, they were bombarded with bills after nine months filled with unexpected charges.
Lately, when reporters looked into Zynex, it was alleged that the company tried to interfere with the journalists’ investigations. They reportedly attempted to invade reporters’ private lives, making odd requests such as asking them to disclose symptoms like erectile dysfunction and involving them in treatment sessions. One complaint even claimed that used women’s underwear was mailed to a reporter’s home with an accusatory note about their supposed dishonest behavior.
Sandgaard, aged 67, resides in Colorado and holds dual U.S. and Danish citizenship. Lucsok, who is 39, also lives in Colorado and possesses dual U.S. and Ukrainian citizenship.
The executives face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, mail fraud, securities fraud, and aggravated identity theft among others. Additionally, the government is looking to confiscate their assets, which include properties in Colorado and Florida, various bank accounts, a Gulfstream G-IV aircraft, and multiple luxury vehicles.
Despite Zynex’s achievements, like receiving the BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Trust and being recognized as a top player in healthcare technology, U.S. Attorney Charles Callender asserted, “This case underscores a troubling violation against patients and the healthcare system designed to assist them. It undermines programs intended to support those in need.”
Zynex has yet to provide a response regarding these allegations.
