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Government creates 'Most Wanted' list for healthcare fraud

Taking a cue from the FBI, the Health and Human Services Department has released an online list of its "Most Wanted" fugitives charged with committing healthcare fraud.

The Most Wanted Fugitives List is the government's latest attempt to focus public attention on individuals sought by authorities on charges of bilking federal healthcare programs and fleeing with the money.

The list includes photos and profiles of each featured fugitive, an online tip form and the Office of Inspector General hotline number to report information in either English or Spanish. The website will be updated if a fugitive is apprehended.

[Related: Medicare fraud investigation yields 73 indictments.]

The 10 individuals on the Most Wanted Health Care Fugitives List have allegedly cost taxpayers over $124 million in fraud. In all, the OIG is seeking more than 170 fugitives on charges related to healthcare fraud and abuse.

"With our Most Wanted Fugitives List, OIG is asking the public's help in tracking down fugitives," said Daniel Levinson, the HHS' inspector general. "(It) has a stake in the fight against fraud, waste and abuse."