(WNY News Now) – Two Clifton Park brothers have pleaded guilty to grand larceny after a joint investigation found more than $1.6 million in fraudulent Medicaid transportation claims.

Jawad Choudhary, 44, and Junaid Choudhary, 45, both of Clifton Park, pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the second degree in Albany County Court. Officials said the brothers used three Medicaid transportation companies to submit fraudulent claims between 2021 and 2025.

According to the New York State Comptroller’s Office, the investigation began in October 2024 after New York State Police contacted the comptroller’s office about suspected fraudulent billing by several Medicaid transportation providers.

A subsequent investigation and forensic audit determined that A1 Rides Inc., NY Jet Transport Inc. and Ride to Recovery Corp. allegedly submitted more than $1.6 million in improper claims.

Officials said Junaid Choudhary, the owner of A1 Rides, submitted more than $1 million in false claims. Jawad Choudhary, who owned NY Jet Transport, submitted more than $400,000 in false claims.

Investigators said the brothers billed Medicaid for individual rides that were actually unauthorized group rides and inflated payments to the companies. They also allegedly submitted claims for transportation services that never occurred and paid kickbacks to patients.

Medicaid regulations allow eligible patients to use transportation services for authorized medical appointments. Providers generally cannot bill for group rides without prior authorization, and approved providers may only bill mileage once for an authorized group ride.

Officials said money obtained through the alleged scheme was used for mortgage and credit card payments, cash withdrawals and transfers involving personal and business accounts.

The case involved the New York State Comptroller’s Office, Albany County District Attorney’s Office, New York State Police and the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General.

Both brothers pleaded guilty before Albany County Court Judge William T. Little and are scheduled to return to court for sentencing on Dec. 14. Officials said they will be required to pay full restitution.