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Advocates Philippines
FBI Most Wanted Fraud Suspect Caught In PH
Photo credit: BI
Philippine immigration authorities have arrested an American fugitive wanted in the United States for his alleged role in a massive healthcare fraud scheme that reportedly cost more than $2 billion.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that 60-year-old Herbert Leon Kimble was arrested on June 11 in a commercial area in Pasig City by members of its Fugitive Search Unit, working alongside intelligence operatives. Kimble had been tagged by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a high-priority target.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the arrest is part of the Marcos administration's efforts to ensure that the Philippines does not become a safe haven for foreign fugitives.
Kimble is facing charges in the United States over his alleged involvement in a large-scale healthcare fraud conspiracy that targeted the Medicare system, America's health insurance program for senior citizens and people with disabilities.
According to the FBI, Kimble helped operate a sophisticated network that ran from 2014 to 2019 and revolved around the marketing and distribution of orthopedic braces, many of which were allegedly medically unnecessary. The scheme involved telemedicine providers, durable medical equipment suppliers, and call centers, including some based in the Philippines. Patients were persuaded to request braces that were later billed to Medicare for reimbursement. The operation allegedly generated more than $1.2 billion in fraudulent Medicare claims, although some reports estimate total losses and intended fraud at over $2 billion.
The FBI said thousands of elderly Americans were affected by the scheme, with many receiving medical equipment they did not actually need. Kimble was subsequently placed on the bureau's list of Most Wanted Fraudsters.
Authorities said the American national was arrested after intelligence monitoring confirmed his presence in the country. Following his apprehension, the BI's Board of Commissioners ordered his summary deportation for being an undesirable alien. He is currently being held at the Bureau of Immigration's detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, while arrangements are being made for his return to the United States. There, he is expected to face charges related to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and other offenses.
Viado said the operation highlights the strong cooperation between Philippine and US law enforcement agencies in combating transnational crime.
The arrest comes amid a broader crackdown by American authorities on healthcare fraud. Last year, the US Department of Justice announced what it described as one of the largest healthcare fraud takedowns in history, involving hundreds of defendants and billions of dollars in alleged losses.
Philippine immigration officials said they remain committed to tracking down foreign fugitives and preventing the country from being used as a refuge by individuals wanted abroad.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that 60-year-old Herbert Leon Kimble was arrested on June 11 in a commercial area in Pasig City by members of its Fugitive Search Unit, working alongside intelligence operatives. Kimble had been tagged by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a high-priority target.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the arrest is part of the Marcos administration's efforts to ensure that the Philippines does not become a safe haven for foreign fugitives.
Kimble is facing charges in the United States over his alleged involvement in a large-scale healthcare fraud conspiracy that targeted the Medicare system, America's health insurance program for senior citizens and people with disabilities.
According to the FBI, Kimble helped operate a sophisticated network that ran from 2014 to 2019 and revolved around the marketing and distribution of orthopedic braces, many of which were allegedly medically unnecessary. The scheme involved telemedicine providers, durable medical equipment suppliers, and call centers, including some based in the Philippines. Patients were persuaded to request braces that were later billed to Medicare for reimbursement. The operation allegedly generated more than $1.2 billion in fraudulent Medicare claims, although some reports estimate total losses and intended fraud at over $2 billion.
The FBI said thousands of elderly Americans were affected by the scheme, with many receiving medical equipment they did not actually need. Kimble was subsequently placed on the bureau's list of Most Wanted Fraudsters.
Authorities said the American national was arrested after intelligence monitoring confirmed his presence in the country. Following his apprehension, the BI's Board of Commissioners ordered his summary deportation for being an undesirable alien. He is currently being held at the Bureau of Immigration's detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, while arrangements are being made for his return to the United States. There, he is expected to face charges related to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and other offenses.
Viado said the operation highlights the strong cooperation between Philippine and US law enforcement agencies in combating transnational crime.
The arrest comes amid a broader crackdown by American authorities on healthcare fraud. Last year, the US Department of Justice announced what it described as one of the largest healthcare fraud takedowns in history, involving hundreds of defendants and billions of dollars in alleged losses.
Philippine immigration officials said they remain committed to tracking down foreign fugitives and preventing the country from being used as a refuge by individuals wanted abroad.
Jun 21, 2026
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