A fugitive accused of masterminding a $3.7 billion (£2.79 billion) Medicare fraud scheme — one of the largest healthcare scams ever alleged in the United States — has been brought back to America to face justice after his capture in Turkey.

Ibrahim Khaldoon Hilmi had remained beyond the reach of US authorities for more than a year after allegedly fleeing abroad. His return marks a significant development in a case centred on claims that billions of dollars intended for healthcare were fraudulently diverted from a taxpayer-funded programme.

On Monday, federal officials confirmed that the long-sought fugitive had been successfully extradited to face the historic charges after a period on the run overseas.

According to officials, his time as a fugitive began in May 2025 when he slipped out of the United States, managing to evade justice until law enforcement recently tracked him down and arrested him in Turkey.

CASE UPDATE FROM FBI MIAMI: The FBI’s successful FTOC (foreign transfer of custody) of Ibrahim Khaldoon Hilmi, who is charged with one of the biggest Medicare scams in history, demonstrates the FBI’s ongoing efforts to bring fraudsters to justice. Hilmi is wanted for his alleged…pic.twitter.com/f20gyDajk4

Federal agents then carried out an overseas transfer of custody on Friday, with the FBI's Critical Incident Response Group travelling directly to Turkey to escort Hilmi back to American soil.

FBI DirectorKash Pateldescribed the operation as a breakthrough in the bureau's ongoing crackdown on fugitives suspected of plundering public funds.

'Ibrahim Khaldoon Hilmi is charged with one of the biggest Medicare scams in history, allegedly orchestrating a massive $3.7 billion scheme to defraud Medicare. He's been on the run since May of 2025 - but we got him,' Patel said in a statement.

“Ibrahim Khaldoon Hilmi is charged with one of the biggest Medicare scams in history - allegedly orchestrating a massive $3.7 BILLION scheme to defraud Medicare. He’s been on the run since May of 2025 - but we got him.Thanks to outstanding work from FBI Miami, the Justice…pic.twitter.com/gyLAFTrnTQ

In a post on X, Patel highlighted the international co-operation behind the arrest, thanking FBI Miami, the Department of Justice and Turkish officials for their vital contributions to the mission.

Source: International Business Times UK