FBI returns alleged $3.7B Medicare fraud suspect from Turkey

A fugitive accused of orchestrating one of the largest Medicare fraud schemes in U.S. history has been returned to American custody after an international manhunt. Ibrahim Khaldoon Hilmi, who allegedly fled the United States in May 2025, was detained in Turkey and transported back to the U.S. last week to face federal charges.

FBI Director Kash Patel announced the operation on Monday, June 22, 2026. According to officials, Hilmi is charged with masterminding a scheme to defraud Medicare of approximately $3.7 billion. Turkish authorities recently detained him, after which members of the FBI’s Critical Incident Response Group traveled to Turkey and escorted him back to the United States on Friday, June 19, through a foreign transfer of custody.

In a statement, Patel described the arrest as a significant breakthrough. He credited the FBI’s Miami field office, the Department of Justice, and Turkish officials for their cooperation in the operation. Patel also thanked U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack for his assistance.

This case marks the second time in less than a week that a high-profile fugitive linked to a massive Medicare fraud scheme has been repatriated. On Thursday, June...