Russian diplomats scam Medicaid
Tom Huxton sends us a link to the BBC which reports that 49 Russian diplomats are being sought by New York prosecutors for scamming our own Medicaid system of about a million and a half bucks;
US officials say the defrauded benefits related to pregnancy, birth and infant care. No arrests have been made.
The suspects allegedly spent tens of thousands of dollars on luxury goods, holidays, gigs and helicopter rides.
‘Shameful corruption’During the time of the alleged fraud, the accused were buying jewellery, clothing and gadgets at retailers such as Bloomingdale’s, Jimmy Choo, Swarovski, Apple and Tiffany & Co, according to the criminal complaint.
It is alleged that the accused falsified household income and provided inaccurate information on Medicaid forms.
Preet Bharara, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, called it “shameful and systemic corruption”.
“Diplomacy should be about extending hands, not picking pockets in the host country,” he said.
According to the Beeb, only 11 of the diplomats sought are still in the US, the rest have returned to their home country. And, oh, yeah, the Russian government will have to approve the arrests, so, this is me not holding my breath for justice for the American taxpayers.
Category: Crime, Foreign Policy
Proof positive that the redistribution system is totally screwed up.
Why would anyone even consider paying foreign nationals tax dollars? Because bureaucrats don’t care. Oh, sure, there are some who do, but as a collect, this is what you get. Take what others have, push it out the door as fast as you can and ask for more next year.
The article reads “… all the diplomats facing charges currently have immunity.”
Horseshit.
If they’re embarrassing Vlad and making him look bad, they might find themselves collecting trash in Moscow when they go home, or driving taxis. And that’s if they’re lucky.
Can I have my tax money back?
Someone please expalin how foreign nationals qualified for U.S. tax dollar medical, etc? Food stamps, etc? Rather than waste time going after the Russians with dip im, go after the tax payer paid employees who put them into the system. Is this a great country (any more) or what?
Got an idea. Put a lien on their embassy for the money they owe. When they don’t pay, kick them out, take their stuff, and gather all the intelligence we can.
Throw out the 11 left, declare them all persona non grata. That’s about all you can do to a diplomat.
I’d say we deport them… to North Korea. It’s close to Russia, right?