Another Person Connected To Loretto Hospital Charged In 200 Million COVID Test Scheme

Jamil Elkoussa, 35, faces five counts of wire fraud for his involvement in a scheme to defraud the federal government of over $200 million through fake COVID-19 testing related to Loretto Hospital. Prosecutors claim that Elkoussa, who owned Meridian Medical Staffing, paid individuals at collection sites to falsely report the collection of COVID-19 test specimens. He allegedly submitted fabricated data to a lab, which led to $233 million in fraudulent claims for reimbursement. The government paid around $154 million to the lab, with Elkoussa reportedly siphoning $60. 3 million into accounts he controlled.

Elkoussa's charges stem from actions dating back to March 2021, and he previously worked for Sameer Suhail, who is also implicated in fraud at Loretto. Earlier, Anosh Ahmed, the former CFO of Loretto, faced charges for defrauding the hospital and the government. Block Club Chicago has extensively reported on the troubling conduct at Loretto Hospital, including its questionable vaccine distribution practices. The ongoing investigation highlights significant concerns surrounding the hospital's operations and financial dealings during the pandemic.