Former Chicago Hospital Executive Anosh Ahmed Arrested in Serbia Following $290 Million Fraud Charges
In a significant international development, Pakistan-born Anosh Ahmed, a former executive at Loretto Hospital in Chicago, has been apprehended in Serbia after fleeing the United States. Ahmed faces serious charges of defrauding the federal government of approximately $290 million, marking one of the largest healthcare fraud cases in recent history.
Extradition Proceedings Initiated by US Prosecutors
US prosecutors have officially confirmed their intention to seek Ahmed's extradition to face justice in American courts. Assistant US Attorneys Sheri Mecklenburg and Kelly Guzman stated, "As of now, the United States understands that Ahmed remains in custody in Serbia, pending extradition." This legal process underscores the international cooperation required to address complex financial crimes.
Arrest Details and Judicial Decisions in Serbia
Ahmed was taken into custody on November 30, 2025, following the issuance of a global alert known as a Red Notice by Interpol. This international request specifically targeted his location and arrest. A Serbian court subsequently denied Ahmed's request for release to a hotel in Belgrade on December 30, ordering him to remain in custody while extradition proceedings advance.
Background of the Fraud Allegations
The charges against Ahmed stem from his tenure at Loretto Hospital, where he resigned in March 2021 amid controversies during the Covid-19 pandemic. These included improper vaccination incidents where the hospital administered shots to ineligible individuals, such as workers at Trump Tower and members of an Oak Forest church. According to court documents, Ahmed allegedly obtained personal information of around 150,000 patients at Loretto Hospital and used this data to submit fraudulent claims to the federal government.
Additional Charges and Co-Defendants
In 2024, Ahmed and two others, Heather Bergdahl and Sameer Suhail, were charged with embezzling over $15 million from the hospital through fake invoices and false payment requests. Furthermore, last year, Ahmed and three additional individuals—Mohamed Sirajudeen, Mahmood Sami Khan, and Suhaib Ahmad Chaudhry—were accused of filing nearly $900 million in fraudulent claims for Covid-19 testing materials, with about $293 million paid out. Prosecutors indicate that Sirajudeen is expected to plead guilty.
Upcoming Legal Proceedings and Implications
A hearing for the case is scheduled for February 13, 2026. Prosecutors have noted that if Ahmed is not extradited, they will adjust the evidence for the other defendants who are on trial. This case highlights the ongoing challenges in combating healthcare fraud and the critical role of international law enforcement collaboration.
Ahmed, who came to the US as a child from Pakistan, according to reporting by Block Club Chicago, now faces a complex legal battle spanning multiple jurisdictions. The arrest and potential extradition serve as a reminder of the global reach of justice in addressing financial crimes that impact public health systems.
