23.06.2026 09:20
FBI Director Kash Patel announced that Ibrahim Haldun Hilmi, named in one of the largest Medicare fraud cases in U.S. history, was captured in Turkey and brought to the United States. Patel stated that Hilmi, accused of being one of the organizers of a $3.7 billion fraud scheme, had been a fugitive since May 2025, while Vice President JD Vance said, "If you steal from the American people, there will be no safe harbor for you anywhere in the world."
Ibrahim Haldun Hilmi, accused of being a key figure in a $3.7 billion Medicare fraud scheme in the US, was captured in Turkey and taken to the US, authorities announced. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that Hilmi had been wanted for a long time and that the operation was carried out in cooperation with Turkey.
FBI ANNOUNCES TURKEY OPERATION
FBI Director Kash Patel, in a post on his social media account, announced that Ibrahim Haldun Hilmi has been charged in connection with one of the largest Medicare fraud cases in US history. Patel stated that Hilmi is accused of being one of the organizers of a $3.7 billion fraud scheme targeting the Medicare system. He said that Hilmi, who had been a fugitive since May 2025, was captured as a result of a joint effort by the FBI Miami Office, the US Department of Justice, and authorities in Turkey.
"HE WAS ON THE RUN SINCE MAY 2025, WE CAUGHT HIM"
In his statement regarding the operation, Patel said, "Ibrahim Haldun Hilmi is accused of one of the largest Medicare frauds in history. He is alleged to have organized a massive $3.7 billion scheme to defraud Medicare. He was on the run since May 2025, but we caught him." Patel reported that Hilmi, captured in Turkey, was brought to the US after the extradition process and will appear before a judge in Miami.
THANKS TO TURKISH AUTHORITIES
FBI Director Patel thanked the FBI Miami teams, officials from the US Department of Justice, and security units in Turkey for the successful conclusion of the operation. Additionally, Patel noted that US Ambassador to Ankara Tom Barrack made significant contributions throughout the process, stating, "This case could not have been completed without his tireless efforts."
VANCE: NO SAFE HAVEN
US Vice President JD Vance also commented on the matter by quoting Patel's post. Vance stated that Ibrahim Haldun Hilmi's name appears in one of the largest Medicare fraud investigations in history, saying, "This fraudster fled to Turkey in May 2025, but US authorities brought him back to Miami. He will face justice for his crimes against the American people." Vance added, "If you steal from the American people, there will be no safe haven for you anywhere in the world."
WHITE HOUSE TASK FORCE HIGHLIGHTED
Kash Patel described the operation as a significant success in the FBI's anti-fraud efforts. Emphasizing the work of the White House task force led by Vice President JD Vance, Patel stated that the Trump administration is determined to bring to justice those accused of stealing taxpayer money, no matter where they are in the world.