(WNY News Now) – BUFFALO, N.Y. – A Lackawanna man has admitted to defrauding the Medicaid program of more than $95,000, federal prosecutors announced.
Munef Fadhel, 37, pleaded guilty to health care fraud before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Joel L. Violanti.
Prosecutors say Fadhel owned and operated Great Lake Transportation, Inc., a company providing transportation for Medicaid beneficiaries. Between June 2017 and December 2020, he submitted fraudulent reimbursement claims, falsely certifying shared rides as individual trips to receive higher payments.
The case was investigated by the FBI, led by Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the New York State Department of Financial Services, under Superintendent Adrienne A. Harris.
Fadhel is scheduled for sentencing on August 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Sinatra.
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