A woman from Los Angeles has pleaded guilty to her involvement in a significant fraud scheme that exploited Medicare, amounting to over $54 million. On Wednesday, Sophia Shaklian, aged 38, admitted her role in submitting false claims for hospice and diagnostic testing services that were never provided. The plea was entered in federal court, where she faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for March 24, 2024.
Shaklian was previously charged with multiple counts of health care fraud and money laundering. She was initially indicted in 2023 alongside her co-defendant, Alex Alexsanian, aged 48, who is set to face trial in February. Court documents reveal that both individuals are connected to a complex scheme involving fraudulent claims submitted to Medicare.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Shaklian managed claims for seven health care providers in Los Angeles County, including a hospice company she owned. From March 2019 to August 2024, these companies submitted fraudulent claims for services that were unnecessary and never rendered, receiving over $23 million in return.
Shaklian allegedly used various aliases to conduct her operations and laundered funds by transferring them to accounts associated with fictitious identities. Alexsanian, on the other hand, was accused of directing a foreign national to establish a radiology clinic and acquire the Medicare provider Console Hospice located in Van Nuys. They conspired to submit fraudulent claims for services that did not occur, according to prosecutors.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office detailed that the illicit funds were funneled through these operations, leading to significant personal gains for those involved. Federal prosecutors allege that Shaklian and Alexsanian used the laundered funds to purchase over $6 million in gold bars and coins.
If convicted, Alexsanian could face a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison for each charge related to the conspiracy and money laundering. The case highlights the ongoing issues of health care fraud and the serious ramifications for those who exploit the system for personal gain.
As the judicial process continues, both Shaklian and Alexsanian remain under scrutiny for their roles in this extensive fraud scheme, which has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities within the Medicare system. The outcome of Alexsanian’s trial is expected to provide further insights into the operation of this fraudulent network.
