SANTO DOMINGO.- A Southern Florida District grand jury indicted the Cuban brothers Carlos, Luis and Jose Benítez, who are still on the loose, in connection with a plan to defraud the United States government out of US$110 million, by presenting false claims to the government medical program Medicare.

They were each accused of filing false claims and of paying illegal commissions for medical attention, and conspiracy to commit fraud.

U.S. Justice Department attorney Hank Bond Walther notified the Dominican authorities and requested cooperation. He said the U.S. is aware that the Benítez brothers have transferred assets to, and bought personal and real estate properties in the Dominican Republic, including houses and a helicopter whose registry is N17JT, that have been confiscated.

The official said the U.S. will request the assets’ confiscation in accordance with its penal laws. The foreigners are accused of buying, directly and through others, various properties in their name and of companies formed among them and their associates.

The authorities sought to arrest Carlos Benítez in La Romana (east) yesterday, a search in which they seized two vehicles used by Carlos Benítez and his wife.

SOURCE: diariolibre.com.do