The United States and Panama have joined hands to stop a big fraud case involving fake medical bills made against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A Panama-based surgeon, Dr. Rolando Chin, has admitted to being part of a scam that cost the U.S. government millions of dollars. This is part of a bigger fraud scheme by several doctors and pharmacies in Panama.
What Was the Fraud About?
The VA has a special program called the Foreign Medical Program (FMP). This program helps U.S. veterans living outside the country get the medical care they need. Unfortunately, some doctors and pharmacies in Panama saw this as a chance to make quick money. They sent fake bills to the VA for medical services that never happened or medicines that were never given.
Investigations showed that some doctors charged for surgeries or treatments they didn’t do. Others claimed for expensive medicines that were never delivered to the patients. In many cases, the bills were purposely made higher than the actual cost. This kind of fraud not only wastes money but also affects the trust and quality of care for veterans who truly need it.
How the U.S. Found Out
The U.S. Department of Justice, Department of State, and the VA worked together to find out what was happening. They discovered the fraud and took quick action. In December 2022, the U.S. government filed a criminal complaint in Panama against about 40 people and companies. This included doctors, pharmacies, businesses, and even a hospital. The charges were related to serious fraud and money laundering.
Panama Takes Action
After getting the complaint from the U.S., Panamanian prosecutors launched their own investigation. In August 2023, they officially charged several people. One of them was Dr. Rolando Chin, who recently admitted to his role in the scam. He agreed to pay money back to the U.S. as part of a restitution agreement. This means he has taken responsibility for his actions and agreed to help recover some of the lost money.
Panamanian authorities are still working on the case and are continuing to investigate and charge the others involved.
U.S. Government Stops Payments
After the fraud came to light, the VA stopped working with the people and businesses involved. This suspension began in August 2024. Because of this action, the VA expects to spend half as much money in Panama on its FMP in 2025 compared to the year before. That’s a savings of around $25 million, which is a big win for American taxpayers.
Agencies Working Together
This entire case is being handled by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Foreign Litigation, along with help from the VA and the U.S. State Department. Their teamwork helped bring the fraud to light, and they continue to work closely with Panama to make sure justice is served.
The case against Dr. Chin is just one part of a much bigger issue. But it shows that the U.S. is serious about protecting its veterans and public funds, no matter where fraud happens. Thanks to the cooperation between the U.S. and Panama, millions of dollars have been saved, and the chances of similar fraud in the future are now much lower. This case also reminds everyone that cheating the system—especially when it affects veterans—is not just wrong, but will also be punished.
But every single Democrat said that is not happening!