U.S. prosecutors have charged 412 people with taking part in healthcare fraud and opioid scams that totalled $1.3 billion in false billing.
The investigation focused on medical professionals who were involved in the unlawful distribution of opioids and prescription narcotics -- among the 412 defendants, 120 were charged with opioid-related crimes.
According to prosecutors, healthcare providers billed Medicare and Medicaid for drugs that were never purchased; collected money for false rehabilitation treatments and tests; and gave out prescriptions for cash.
The nationwide operation involved more than 1,000 law enforcement agents in at least 30 states.
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