Omanghana
A Franklin County grand jury has indicted Roberta Acheampong, 39, and Godfred Owusu-Sekyere, 46, on 12 felony charges for allegedly defrauding Ohio’s Medicaid program of approximately $9.3 million.
Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson announced the indictments as part of a wider multi-agency investigation into suspected fraud involving healthcare providers.
The Ghanaian couple previously lived in Powell, a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. Investigators believe they left the United States before the indictments were issued and may now be residing somewhere in Africa.
Authorities are reportedly considering Ghana and Kenya as possible locations, although the couple’s exact whereabouts have not been publicly confirmed.
According to investigators from Ohio’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Acheampong and Owusu-Sekyere allegedly operated a calculated scheme that exploited vulnerable refugees and other Medicaid beneficiaries.
The couple is accused of using beneficiaries’ personal information to submit claims for healthcare services that were never provided. Investigators also allege that stolen identities and forged signatures belonging to medical professionals were used to make the claims appear legitimate.
The alleged scheme reportedly allowed the couple to receive millions of dollars in payments from the publicly funded healthcare program.
Audit findings cited in the investigation indicate that some of the money was allegedly used to finance an expensive lifestyle. Authorities claim the proceeds were linked to purchases including luxury property and a Porsche.
The 12 felony counts relate to the couple’s alleged involvement in fraudulent billing, identity misuse and the unlawful receipt of Medicaid funds. The precise penalties will depend on the specific charges and the outcome of any future court proceedings.
Their departure from the United States presents an additional challenge for investigators. If they are located abroad, American authorities may have to pursue extradition through diplomatic and legal channels before the case can proceed to trial.
Efforts may also be made to trace, freeze or recover assets believed to have been purchased with proceeds from the alleged fraud. Such recovery proceedings could involve cooperation among authorities in the United States and countries where the suspects or their assets are located.
The case forms part of a broader American campaign against healthcare fraud, particularly schemes involving false billing, identity theft and payments for services that were not delivered.
US authorities have increasingly relied on international cooperation in cases where suspects leave the country or transfer allegedly stolen funds abroad. Reports indicate that American diplomatic officials in Ghana have been working with local authorities on fraud and extradition matters.
Acheampong and Owusu-Sekyere remain accused persons, and the allegations against them have not been proven in court. They are entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence unless convicted.
Authorities are continuing efforts to locate the couple, secure their return to the United States and recover any assets linked to the alleged $9.3 million Medicaid fraud scheme.
Source: Omanghana
