FBI Most Wanted: Houston Woman Accused of $100 Million Healthcare Fraud

FBI officials have added Houston woman Emylee Thai to the Most Wanted Fraudster list after she allegedly fled the U.S. for Vietnam. Thai is accused of orchestrating a genetic testing and kickback scheme that defrauded Medicare of approximately $95 million through medically unnecessary tests, according to the FBI Houston office.

How did the healthcare fraud scheme operate?

Emylee Thai, a laboratory owner, allegedly contracted marketers to refer signed doctors’ orders and beneficiary DNA samples to her lab, according to the FBI. In exchange for these referrals, Thai provided a percentage of the reimbursements as kickbacks.

The genetic testing often cost Medicare several thousand dollars per beneficiary. FBI officials stated these tests were not medically necessary and were often not used in the medical treatment of the beneficiaries.

Did You Know? Investigators determined that Emylee Thai used a fake identity and a private airplane to flee the United States.

How much money was involved in the case?

Thai’s laboratory billed Medicare approximately $142 million for genetic testing during the period of the alleged scheme, FBI officials said. The government paid approximately $95 million on those claims.

On July 11, 2022, officials charged Thai with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and payment of kickbacks in connection with a federal health care program.

How did Emylee Thai flee the United States?

Thai was initially granted bail with conditions that included wearing a location monitoring device, authorities said. On Dec. 8, 2022, that monitor was removed.

Her last known location was Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, according to officials. After several failed attempts to contact her, authorities issued an arrest warrant the following day.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the use of fake identities and private aviation to bypass monitors suggests a coordinated effort to evade federal jurisdiction, significantly complicating the recovery of defrauded public funds.

What happens next in the investigation?

The FBI Houston office is currently offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to Thai’s arrest. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.

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Thai faces additional legal hurdles, as she was separately charged on July 5, 2023, with the destruction and alteration of records in a federal investigation. If located, Thai may face extradition proceedings to answer these federal charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Emylee Thai believed to be?
FBI Houston officials said that Thai is likely in Vietnam.

What are the specific charges against Emylee Thai?
Thai was charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, payment of kickbacks, and the destruction and alteration of records.

How did the FBI track her last known location?
Officials stated her last known location was Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas after her location monitoring device was removed on Dec. 8, 2022.

Do you believe current bail monitoring systems are sufficient to prevent high-profile fugitives from fleeing the country?