In a shocking revelation, the former proprietor of a COVID-19 testing facility in Chicago has admitted to a single count of wire fraud.
The lab, under his management, falsely invoiced the federal government for a staggering sum of at least $14 million.
These charges were for COVID-19 tests that, in reality, were never conducted.
Zishan Alvi, a 45-year-old resident of Inverness, was at the helm of the Northwest Side lab from November 2020 to February 2022, as reported by American Military News. The facility offered both PCR and rapid COVID-19 tests, as detailed in the plea agreement submitted on Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
The deceit began to unravel in March 2021 when patients raised concerns about the prolonged wait for their test results. In response, the lab falsely assured patients that they had tested negative for the virus, despite their tests not having been processed. In instances where the results were inconclusive, the lab continued to misinform patients, declaring them virus-free, the plea agreement revealed.
The situation worsened during the onslaught of the Omicron variant from fall 2021 to January 2022. The lab was inundated with more patient specimens than it could handle, leading to test samples being haphazardly discarded in garbage bags. Alvi directed his staff to dispose of untested, weeks-old specimens, while simultaneously issuing false negative results to patients.
Alvi's deception extended to instructing his employees and consultants to bill the federal Health Resources and Services Administration for tests that were never processed. This agency was responsible for administering funds to cover COVID-19 tests for uninsured individuals.
Alvi's legal representatives have yet to comment on the matter. Initially, Alvi faced an indictment on 10 counts of wire fraud and one count of theft of government funds. However, as part of the plea agreement, he has consented to forfeit nearly $8 million and a 2021 Land Rover Range Rover. Alvi's sentencing for wire fraud, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, is slated for February 7.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability, particularly in times of crisis. It underscores the need for stringent oversight of public funds, a principle that aligns with the conservative values of limited government and individual responsibility.
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